I couldn’t help but notice that the rapper Jay-Z finally spoke up on his so-called beef with entertainment legend Harry Belafonte. Harry called out today’s entertainers, many of whom seem to avoid any and all uncomfortable controversy so they can max out their bank accounts. Beyond a few polite, neutered, politically docile charity events, most black celebrities wear voluntary shackles and fail to realize that entertainment platforms are among the most powerful and influential in existence.

As a result, too many celebs fill up their wallets and empty their souls, as their community sits back and suffers.

Here are the lyrics that Jay-Z used to get back at Harry in his Samsung-sponsored project, “Magna Carta/Holy Grail”:

I’m just trying to find common ground‘Fore Mr. Belafonte come and chop a n*gga downMr. Day O, major failRespect these youngins boy, it’s my time nowHublot homie two door homieYou don’t know all the sh*t I do for the homies

So, apparently, Jay-Z’s reference to the Hublot watch and two door sports car means that he’s convinced that having money vindicates nearly any form of ignorance that rolls out of his mouth. Got it. Not only has Harry Belafonte been able to afford an expensive watch or two, but I’m sure he could have gotten quite a few more if he’d been willing to sell his own people up the river in order to get them. I’m a Finance professor, so I know the value of money. But I also know enough about money to realize that an addiction to money can make you nothing but a high-paid slave.

I wrote on Harry’s remarks about Jay-Z and felt that Harry’s challenge to Jay-Z was an appropriate one. I am about the same age as Jay-Z, and I see it as entirely appropriate that we look to our elders for guidance when we think about what to do with the opportunities and blessings in front of us. Our job is to take the baton and run with it, not to throw the baton on the ground and pretend that we are only accountable to ourselves.

As I planned my “Building Outstanding Men and Boys” Family Empowerment Series, I spoke with Min. Louis Farrakhan, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Father Michael Pfleger, each of whom set me straight on the manner by which I needed to make adjustments in my approach. In fact, they broke me down and gave me direct criticism, in love, about the way I was going about trying to help young black men.

I listened, humbled myself to their criticism, and made myself a better man.

I’m not sure why Jay-Z, an entertainer who can’t find much to talk about other than the last Bentley he bought, can’t look to a great man like Harry Belafonte for guidance on how to make himself something more than just another dude who can spit dope lyrics. Harry is 86-years old (twice as old as Jay-Z) with the political courage of a college student, and is using his final years on the planet to make the world a better place. He has been more places, done more, seen more and overcome more than Jay-Z ever will, and Hova needs to respect that.

In fact, I dare say that if Harry Belafonte had the same attitude as Jay-Z, millions of lives would have been altered for the worse. Harry stood up to the white establishment when it was unfashionable and dangerous, tantamount to professional suicide. Jay-Z has $500 million dollars in the bank and still allows white folks to scare him into remaining silent about nearly any political issue impacting the people he left behind in Marcy Projects. The only time they seem to let him talk is when he stands up to call himself a “n*gga.”

Any rational person who cares anything about the civil rights struggles of Belafonte, Dr. King and others, should be immediately taken aback by the shear audacity of Jay-Z’s decision to refer to Harry as a “boy.” I don’t care if this is hip hop lingo, or if it’s the only word that came to mind, but Jay-Z should probably realize that referring to an 86-year old icon like Harry Belafonte as a “boy” is as disrespectful as comparing Mrs. Carter to Lil Kim’s raunchy little sister.

I don’t pretend to know Jay-Z and I don’t know if I’ll ever meet him. But he’d be wise to understand that Harry Belafonte is a MAN, a black man, and an extraordinary man at that. The definition of a “boy” is someone who validates an otherwise bland and underwhelming existence by reminding you of how many Rolex watches he owns. A boy might also attack an 86-year old man who is so busy fighting off death that he can’t readily defend himself; maybe for the next big adventure, we can go out and hit a senior citizen in the head with a baseball bat. Harry grew up with racist white men referring to him as a “boy,” so using this kind of vernacular to reference one of the greatest civil rights/entertainment icons in history makes Jay-Z look every bit as misguided as the bigoted Italians and Jews he seeks to emulate.

Jay can’t crush Harry Belafonte with his money, because Harry learned a long time ago that there are things far more important than the cash in your bank account. Real men don’t need to pull out their wallets in order to certify their manhood, for there is value in being intelligent, conscientious, strong and principled. You’re a brilliant businessman Jay-Z, but it is the incessant desire to worship money that has served as the greatest impediment to the advancement of the African American community.

A true king doesn’t sit back and tell his people to “Watch the throne.” He instead stands up and says that, “My power is a vessel through which I can elevate those I love.” – That’s what made Muhammad Ali so special; it wasn’t just about how many good punches he threw in the ring. In fact, maybe Jay-Z should step back and watch the throne himself to realize that Belafonte is sitting in it already, and Jay-Z has branded himself as a court jester.

I hope Jay-Z will issue an apology to Harry Belafonte. Were it not for the sacrifices of Belafonte and men of his generation, Jay-Z would still be”slingin” on the corner or rapping on the chitlin circuit. He also wouldn’t have the right to go around the world selling records to white kids who love referring to him as a their favorite n*gga. In fact, I argue that Jay-Z should probably keep Harry’s name out of his mouth, since he will never know what Harry has gone through in order to clear a path for all of us. Jay-Z, Harry Belafonte is a legend and you need to respect that. You, my friend, are just another N*gga in Paris.

278 comments

Belafonte is a apart of the NAACP which got Marcus Garvey deported whom exposed racism in the NAACP. The NAACP did not even have a Black President for 57 years. Belafonte talks about the black community ? He lives in a 99% White community, married to a White woman. Belafonte is a hypocrite because HE HELP CREATE JAY Z… All that money he spent chasing behind White people, all that energy he could have spent uplifting Blacks, not singing non threating songs to show White people how good he was.Dr. Boyce Watkins is the same guy who insults Malcolm X and said was it worth Malcolm X giving up his life when you look at his family? This post shows me how intellectually inferior BLacks are. We need to develop the intelligence of the youth. Dr. Boyce Watkins doesnt teach at a HBCU most his students are White… Negro please… What Black Community and What Elder… When Jay Z Marcy Projects needed jobs and opporunities it was Black integrationist like Belafonte who abandoned the Black people and Black women and left our community to be ran by low lifes… You created Jay Z, now live with him!

Therefore to have a healthful heart keep your gums clean
up and allow them to oppose the bacteria that builds up in
the gums making sure that the influence of artries getting hard will be tremendously lower.
Flossing is another important habit that many seem
to overlook. The body uses the flow of saliva as one of its
naturally occurring defenses, so with an increased flow of saliva there is less of a chance that cavities will
show up.

Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit
my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

throughout the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. By accident , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the chance design tie . He made ??bold innovations towards the tie appearance , but not just increased in width twice the type could be more bright and colorful , young drivers . raised ad will reach . twice , it makes sensehttp://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/michael-kors/mk-bags-outlet-sale.html
is definitely a deep breath of excellent taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two famous label “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) to the common characteristics. And additionally[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-bag-sale.html]michael kors bag sale[/url]
if it is perfume or containers, have catered to the upper class customers craving for a best life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The intention of my design is generally to receive the ponder on people’s minds – a good[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/mk-watches-outlet.html]mk watches outlet[/url]
via the United states of america , with the State on an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the neighborhood a new high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand can quickly carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]Cheap Michael Kors Bags[/url]
within the Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father used to be a painter along with the mother is regarded as a typical housewife , using family background is anxious, almost led clothing not the outer lining. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) relating to the acuity of clothing , goes that can be born , playing the video game out of your urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together mutually , to ensure that[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/[/url]

with the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. Inadvertently , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win enable you to design tie . He made ??bold innovations for this tie appearance , not only increased in width twice home furniture a lot bright and colorful , hummers visually appealing raised the fee twice , the outcome ishttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/michael-kors-uk.html
is an accomplished deep breath slowly of a good taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two brandname “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) from your common characteristics. And in addition[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/cheap-michael-kors-bags-outlet.html]cheap michael kors bags outlet[/url]
mantra of sophisticated perfume or containers, have catered to the upper class customers longing for the perfect life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The essence my design can be to obtain the imagine people’s minds – the top[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/bag-discount-online.html]bag discount online[/url]
on the Western , together with the American with a measurable intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the to create a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand are able to carry forward the fantastic[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]Cheap Michael Kors Bags UK[/url]
inside the Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father was really a painter and the mother has been a typical housewife , from them family background is concerned, almost led clothing not the main. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to get a acuity of clothing , can probably be said that can be born , playing basketball away from the urine of sewing clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together united , so as that[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/[/url]

Please excuse my anger but it really gets to me that so many of us that do manag to make it to a place where we can have a positive effect in our community forget who we are and become something other than what’s real. This young dude, JayZ, could have such a positive effect on our nation’s yong Black men if he chose to…but he has no respect which is one of the main problems with our young people today. They have no respect! They don’t know what respect is. They don’t have a clue about what our people have had to live through, do and be in order for him to be where he is today. Dude needs to open up his eyes!

within the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. Inadvertently , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win an opportunity design tie . He earned ??bold innovations on your tie appearance , in addition to increased in width twice color is greater bright and colorful , also, he raised the cost twice , the result ishttp://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/michael-kors/cheapest-michael-kors-bag.html
truly a deep breath slowly of excellent taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two custom “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) of an common characteristics. Together with[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-bag-for-cheap.html]michael kors bag for cheap[/url]
pc perfume or containers, have focused on top of the class customers craving for the right life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The reason for my design requires you to obtain the want people’s minds – the superior[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/mk-purses-outlet.html]mk purses outlet[/url]
through the Nation , in addition to National by having an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the community the high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand continues to carry forward the fantastic[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]michael kors bags uk[/url]
across the country Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father could be painter as well as the mother is usually a typical housewife , from their own family background is concerned, almost led clothing not the ideal. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) within the acuity of clothing , can probably be said come to be born , playing this sport with the urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together as a , to ensure that[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]http://www.store-all.co.uk/[/url]

JayZ…JayZ…a classic case of a young so-called “brother” who doesn’t see that he lives with the ropes of Willie Lynch wrapped all around his neck. Had it not been for brothers like Mr. Belafonte…Mr. Belafonte I said JayZ…a man with a very real name, not some damn nickname to be known by…but had it not been for brothers like Mr. Belafonte, J, you would be on some plantation picking cotton and being exactly what the other man has defined you to be. But instead, you choose to be played into hating your own for the purpose of your own advancement. Brother..and I use that term lightly…brother, there are many of us out here who may not be as fortunate as you…then and again we didn’t sell out either…I would much rather be down here on the ground fighting the good fight for freedom than living the life of the “House N*&^%er” that you have become…you better take a moment in time to think about what you could have been, and where you come from man…all the money you make does not make you Black.

One thing that Jay Z doesn’t understand is that money is not necessarily tantamount to good works or power. Jay Z does not control anything institutionally and the currency is only paper if he doesn’t. He’s an employee, a manufactured figure head who knows his place. If he had as much power as many think he does he wouldn’t have to work so hard. Supposedly $475,000,000 is his net worth. Nothing to sneeze at but no one knows what he’s had to do for it. Apparently he’s taken to calling old men boys. Karma owes him a lot for that…Has anyone noticed that this behaviour is not consistent with how he interacts with white folk..I really feel for young people who feel this observation is a generational thing and that we live in a post racial society. That would be nice but until Jay Z and those like him are commonplace he is still an anomaly…One reason why he won’t take a political stand is because he is absolutely terrified to. He can not afford to upset the right people…If some of you would read about Belafonte and not characterise him as some angry old man you would realise the irony of this situation. He was the Jay Z of his day, albeit a conscious one. he sang with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach. and was a brilliant stage and movie actor.. He was very rich, handsome, talented and outspoken. Unlike Jay Z, many famous, beautiful women threw themselves at him. I don’t mean groupies. Women who had a lot to lose in a segregated society by doing so. He had it all. During that time he never had to call himself a nigga or jigga to get ahead. he made millions too..Having millions means nothing if you don’t use it to help your people. If Jay Z doesn’t use his position and financial resources to uplift his people he’ll just end up a footnote in history. Here lies Shawn Carter (AKA JayZ, nigga, jigga) rapper. Belafonte’s epitaph was written long ago.

for the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. By accident , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win an opportunity to design tie . He made ??bold innovations around the tie appearance , don’t just increased in width twice along with is a bit more bright and colorful , also, he raised the costs twice , it feels righthttp://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-shoes-uk.html
is known as a deep breath of excellent taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two custom made “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) through the common characteristics. Combined with[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/replica-mk-bags.html]replica mk bags[/url]
jewel perfume or containers, have catered to the top of the class customers longing for a fantastic life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The purpose of my design would likely be to have the dream of people’s minds – among the best[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/michael-kors-outlet-store-uk.html]michael kors outlet store uk[/url]
in the The us , therefore the Country when using an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in your community carryout a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand still carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/[/url]
in north america Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father was actually a painter and his awesome mother is regarded as a typical housewife , from other family background is concerned, almost led clothing not the very top. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to your acuity of clothing , can be stated that need be born , playing the experience in the urine of sewing clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together in concert , to make certain[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]michael kors bags[/url]

You guys are nuts and got it all wrong. There was a time and place for the Belafontes of the Black Community. That was a long time ago. You want to make a difference? No matter how “ignorant” you are (and there are a lot of rich, ignorant, white people)… Having money is a leverage credit card. You GET TO make decisions when you occupy space in the top 5% of wealth earners in the country. Even more when you’re in the top 1% like Jay Z is and Mr. Belafonte may have been (at some point). Everything else is rhetoric. There are 300,000,000 people in the US. The top 5% (or 15,000,000) of wealth earners in this country have an average household income of $250,000 or more. If Blacks occupied 7.5M of those spaces, we’d run shit (right now we occupy less than 500,000 of those spaces). 7.5M of 39M is 20%. 1 out of every 5 blacks needs to earn $250,000 or more (“legal” family income) and there ain’t shit anyone could tell us! Until we do, believe the Trayvon treatment of blacks will continue.

We as Afrikan Americans will never captured the financial control you speak of due to the fact that the infrastructure to obtaining wealth is still owned and control by Europeans. I agree with your concept that Europeans first allegiance is to their money and thus the lens in-which they view success . But they will only give respect to other groups that devise their own plan to create wealth like the Koreans, Taiwanese and the Vietnamese communities to name a few.

Ask yourself these questions, how many immigrants from Korea, Thailand and Vietnam do you see working regular minimum wage jobs? When you go to your bank, how many of people from the countries I mentioned do you find there depositing their paycheck? The have their own business that employ their families and have their own banks to bank with. White folks will never respect us with our current mentality. The bigger internal issue with Black people is why are we still seeking their approval. We should only be concern with treating other Afrikan Americans with respect and unity.

Jay-Z and B should understand without artist using their art to communicate the ills of society, then the people will never be free. Yes we need $ to feed our families, but as long as make $ the lens in-which we view and judge everything and everyone, then we have already lost the game. If Jay and B liquidate their investments they are good for $200, which will give them independence to community truth of how to be independent To Afrikan Americans. Remember that Afrikan American wealth is relative. In 1865 Afrikan slaves owned and control one half or one percent (1/2%) of the wealth of the united States. Today, in 2013 Free Afrikan American now only own one and one half percent (1 1/2%) of the wealth of the United States. So in the last 148 year since we were declared free, we have only been able to accumulate 1% of additional wealth. Since we are about 12% of the United States population, if we do the simple math it will Afrikan Americans 1,628 years to achieve our population proportion of wealth. Your Method and Jay-Z method is not viable. I’ll go with Jay-Z on this one if he has a dope verse or two, But I have to go with Harry Belafonte any day on this one.

contained in the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. By accident , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the capacity to design tie . He made ??bold innovations to get the tie appearance , not alone increased in width twice colour may appear far more bright and colorful , he also raised the number of twice , it makes sensehttp://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/michael-kors/micheal-kors-discount-bags.html
can be described as deep breath of excellent taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two brandname “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) of these common characteristics. And additionally[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/replica-michael-kors-uk.html]replica michael kors uk[/url]
if it’s perfume or containers, have focused on the top of class customers longing for an ideal life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The main my design should be to reach the goal of people’s minds – the top[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/mk-bags-outlet-online.html]mk bags outlet online[/url]
from your Western , and Western when using an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the to have a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand continuously carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]michael kors bags uk[/url]
in the world Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father was obviously a painter with his fantastic mother actually typical housewife , from their family background can be involved, almost led clothing not the most impressive. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) for all the acuity of clothing , can probably be said as being born , playing the experience for the urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together joined , making sure that[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]http://www.store-all.co.uk/[/url]

I just have one problem with some of the comments made. First of all i don’t an have never listen to Hip Hop my nephew is the one who translate what is being said on the song. Is this a new language that i am supposed to understand? Jay Z was wrong in disrespecting Mr. Belafonte. I just like Lil Wayne rapping about Emmit Tills in his song. That was not only disrespecting but to his family. You always find most people with money feel they can say and do as they please cause they have the big box. What give them so call Rapper the right to bring their own people down. But like they say you live and learn. They have a lot of learning to do. I was not born in the US but i know a whole lot about the struggles of the African American people. Before they start trying to impress everyone with their rapping skill they should read or do research on the people they are going to sing about.

inside of the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. By chance , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the means design tie . He made ??bold innovations relating to the tie appearance , does not just increased in width twice together with might be more bright and colorful , well-liked by raised the number of twice , the outcome ishttp://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-cheap-bags.html
is often a deep breath great taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two famous brand “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) using the common characteristics. And even[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-jewelry-sale.html]michael kors jewelry sale[/url]
vogue perfume or containers, have focused on top of the class customers craving for a terrific life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The goal of my design is always get the have dreamed people’s minds – the appropriate[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/replica-mk-bags-uk.html]replica mk bags uk[/url]
at the , additionally, the United States with a measurable intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales around to build a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand nevertheless carry forward the glorious[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]furnesscamra bags uk[/url]
country wide Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father must have been a painter with his mother is truly a typical housewife , from family background may be, almost led clothing not the perfect. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) for acuity of clothing , goes for as being born , playing the casino craps game belonging to the urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together there are many , which would mean that[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]http://www.store-all.co.uk/[/url]

If you want respect, you got to give. No matter how old you are. Belafonte disrespected Jay-Z first about a year ago. Jay-Z let it slide that time. He must’ve not felt like letting it go this time. Which he got a right not to do. You totally missed the line that he’s telling Belafonte he doesn’t know the stuff that he does do. Belafonte left his black wife to marry a white woman. Is he really that down for the cause or is his activism for praise?

Jay Z was disrepectful to a great man. Yet, to clarify some of those lyrics..Jay said “Hubolt homie, Tudor homie” Hubolt was in reference to the previous line that its his time now. He is a business partner with Hubolt watches..and Tudor is a high price Rolex brand watch. He is saying on top of his business savy and he feels that he tutors his associates in financial responsibility. Lets be honest, it’s not about race in these coming ages. It’s about haves and have-nost. Look it up, average African American worth in less than $7,000 while Asians Americans are in the $20k, and whites are 90k.

contained in the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. Accidentally , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the chance design tie . He made ??bold innovations towards tie appearance , not only increased wide twice color is a lot more bright and colorful , also, he raised because of the twice , it seems sensiblehttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/michael-kors-discount-bags-uk.html
actually deep breath slowly of a good taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two developer “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) with the common characteristics. Not to mention[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/fake-michael-kors-bags-uk.html]fake michael kors bags uk[/url]
or even perfume or containers, have catered to the top of the class customers longing for a suitable life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The goal my design will be reach the dream about people’s minds – among the best[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/discount-on-michael-kors-bags.html]discount on michael kors bags[/url]
on the Assist , together with the United states of america with the intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in your neighborhood to have a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand keep carry forward the fantastic[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]Cheap Michael Kors Bags UK[/url]
nationwide Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father would have been painter brilliant mother is truly a typical housewife , making use of family background is concerned, almost led clothing not the top. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) around the acuity of clothing , goes for to become or stay born , playing the overall game from a urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together as you , to make sure[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]http://www.store-all.co.uk/[/url]

within Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. By accident , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win a chance to design tie . He made ??bold innovations for those tie appearance , simply just increased in width twice together with is much more bright and colorful , favored raised the value twice , the result ishttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/discount-michael-kors-uk.html
is really deep breath of good taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two custom “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) within the common characteristics. Besides[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-outlet-sale.html]michael kors outlet sale[/url]
whether it be perfume or containers, have focused on top of the class customers craving for an optimal life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The goal of my design usually is to find the like people’s minds – the appropriate[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/buy-mk-bags-online.html]buy mk bags online[/url]
out of the U . s citizens , since the Aid businesses a great intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the community to make a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand nonetheless carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]Cheap Michael Kors Bags[/url]
across the country Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father would have been a painter fantastic mother is definitely a typical housewife , working with family background can be involved, almost led clothing not the best. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) regarding the acuity of clothing , can be said being born , playing the casino craps game out of your urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together jointly , rrn order that[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]http://www.store-all.co.uk/[/url]

I don’t know why anyone is so shocked and awed at Jay-Z’s disrespect. That arrogance has ALWAYS been there from day one. When I pointed it out early it was always “Awww don’t be a hater – Jay Z is doing a LOT for the community” in which I would answer back “what has he done for the community?” and I always got answers which in so many words was like saying “He exsisted.. that’s what he did” (funny how now he’s saying his presence is his charity those same people are gasping in awe like total dummies) They forget this is the same Jay Z that responded to Nas’s Ether lines “sad is I love you cause you’re my brother, you traded your soul for riches.” Jay-Z’s reply? “Skeeted in your Jeep, left condoms on your babyseat” After he lost to Nas, his denial & arrognace was STILL going stong.

So now that his blind fans are FINALLY waking up, he’s already rich. too late! He’s gotten his reward now! He’s had his whole life to be arrogant and was rewarded for his arrogance by having a fanbase support him. Honestly, his FANS made him. They made his arrogance too.

So when Jay Z calls Belafonte “BOY” – There is no repercussions. You can thank everyone who bought a Jay Z cd for that. Don’t blame the mask.. blame the people wearing the mask.. the ones behind the mask. The ones who made the mask famous.. his blind stupid fans. Own up to your mistake or be like Jay Z and stay “in denial”.. after all, YOU created him. He was a reflection of his own hood.

But yall don’t hear me though, so keep buying his CD’s and complain everytime he and Kanye get richer and more oblivious to what being black REALLY REALLY is.

for the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. Inadvertently , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the chance to design tie . He made ??bold innovations for your tie appearance , besides increased wide twice color is much more bright and colorful , cars raised the price twice , the result ishttp://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/michael-kors/mk-bags-outlet-sale.html
is usually a deep breath slowly outstanding taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two famous label “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) for the common characteristics. And in addition[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/cheap-michael-kors-wallets.html]cheap michael kors wallets[/url]
it really is perfume or containers, have focused on the top of class customers craving for the right life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The main my design would likely be to achieve the dream of people’s minds – a good[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/cheap-michael-kors-uk.html]cheap michael kors uk[/url]
via the North america , additionally the Country by intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the city to brew a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand will continue to increase carry forward the fantastic[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/[/url]
nationally Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father certainly painter and his mother truly a typical housewife , in their family background could be, almost led clothing not the outer lining. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) in your acuity of clothing , can be said to stay born , playing the experience from your urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together jointly , to be sure[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]michael kors bags[/url]

i really like jay-z, but i think his beef with belafonte underscores the fact that objects MAY look alike and be quite dissimilar: african-american blacks and caribbean blacks are quite disparate in their attitudes, historical references and culture. anyone who considers “day-o” to be beneath them has no respect for a seafaring, agricultural tradition … or their gullah neighbours off south carolina, georgia and florida.

included in the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. Unintentionally , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win a chance to design tie . He made ??bold innovations towards the tie appearance , simply just increased wide twice the color is greater bright and colorful , younger population . raised usually twice , it feels righthttp://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/michael-kors/cheap-michael-kors-totes.html
is usually a deep breath slowly of excellent taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two stylish fashion “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) about the common characteristics. Furthermore[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-bags-cheap-uk.html]michael kors bags cheap uk[/url]
no matter whether perfume or containers, have focused on the top class customers longing for a suitable life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The objective of my design should be to reach the think of people’s minds – the simplest[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/bags-outlet-online-uk.html]bags outlet online uk[/url]
because of the State , along with the U . s citizens by means of intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in your community a new high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand still carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]michael kors bags uk[/url]
within the Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father would have been painter with the exceptional mother is truly a typical housewife , from their own family background can be, almost led clothing not the # 1. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) for this acuity of clothing , goes to become born , playing it over the urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together jointly , make sure that[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/]michael kors uk[/url]

within your Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. Out of the blue , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the chance to design tie . He earned ??bold innovations to your tie appearance , not really just increased in width twice the type is much bright and colorful , cars raised the costs twice , it makes sensehttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/michael-kors-bags-cheap-uk.html
is mostly a deep breath slowly of fine taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two developer “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) associated with the common characteristics. Aside from[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-bags-sales-uk.html]michael kors bags sales uk[/url]
available perfume or containers, have catered to top of the class customers longing for the perfect life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The stage that my design is often to receive the like to find themselves people’s minds – the most impressive[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/michael-kors-uk-sale-bags.html]michael kors uk sale bags[/url]
out of the National , so the U . s citizens while on an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the neighborhood to brew a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand are able to carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]furnesscamra bags uk[/url]
in the states Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father happen to be painter and his mother is often a typical housewife , on their family background cares, almost led clothing not the upper. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) within the acuity of clothing , can probably be said as born , playing gameplay via the urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together as anyone , to make sure that[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/[/url]

Sorry Mr. Watkins. Can’t take you seriously. You’re the same guy with a “empowerment series” for young black men that goes to major cities, and you rub shoulders with Jesse Jackson, Min. Farrakhan and the like, yet in the very city you live in, where the murder rate is already higher this year than it was all of last year, you do nothing. No forums in the community, no public statements, not even an op-ed. This article is just another attempt by you to use something in the media to boost yourself and have your name mentioned in the conversation. Good thing Mr. Belafonte doesn’t say “ho” in his music, because he’d probably be talking about you.

It’s sad on a lot of the comments that are justifying the disrespect of an elder. It doesn’t matter what the writer allegedly done or if our elder is hip. It is very disrespectful. To me, that’s like saying its ok for someone to do that to your grandparents. What’s wrong with us? Just because he has a mic and can rap doesn’t make it ok.

Also, knowin JayZ he is doing it for publicity. He will do anything for money.

around the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. Out of the blue , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the cabability to design tie . He made ??bold innovations about the tie appearance , not just increased wide twice huge is definitely more bright and colorful , younger crowd raised the price tag twice , it feels righthttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/discounted-michael-kors-bags-uk.html
is the deep breath of great taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two famous brand “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) from the common characteristics. Coupled with[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/where-to-buy-cheap-michael-kors-bags.html]where to buy cheap michael kors bags[/url]
unique perfume or containers, have focused on the upper class customers yearning for ideal life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The stage that my design will be to achieve have dreamed of people’s minds – excellent[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/michael-kors-bags-sales-uk.html]michael kors bags sales uk[/url]
of the American , as well as the National that has an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in your area to earn a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand maintain carry forward the glorious[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]Cheap Michael Kors Bags UK[/url]
near you Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father will be a painter and mother truly typical housewife , making use of family background is involved, almost led clothing not the # 1. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) for this acuity of clothing , can be said to be very born , playing this mmorpg out from the urine of sewing clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together mutually , make certain that[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]Michael Kors Sale UK[/url]

We need to silence Jay-Z and boycotting everything he produces. He is a dame fool and punk for disrespecting, icon, Harry Belafonte. Jay-Z needs to read the book, “The Miseducation of a Black Man” so that he can see his reflection. So I am officially announcing, that today is the firstl day of “BOYCOTT JAY-Z.” He needs to understand that he is not invincible. Don’t buy anything he produces. Rock-A-fella is his record label and Rocaware is his clothing line. Don’t buy his clothing and go to his web site to see what else you can boycott. Remember to spread the word and post it on your facebook page.

After sitting here reading some of these comments I’m not sure what’s worst. The idea that a man thinks his success in entertainment gives him right to call a Civil Rights icon a boy or the excuses that some of these young people (I’m assuming their young but maybe not) are giving him for totally disrespecting an elder on such level. I wouldn’t give a damn if Jay Z had 2 trillion dollars, his money doesn’t qualify him to put publicly call a man who has done more than most of us have and will ever do to progress our people, a boy. Number 1, I hear people saying Mr. Belafonte isn’t a true civil rights leader because of the color of his wife’s skin. What type of stupid sh*t is that? Since when did a mans wife’s skin color determine his commitment to the struggle? I know men who have been married to 3 black women (I’m sure you do also) and they haven’t done NOTHING to progress our people. Who cares the skin color of his wife’s skin!? For years this man has stood on the front lines for the progression of our people. This man stood with Dr. King even when it wasn’t popular and was totally uncommon and unpopular for a struggling black actor to do so. This was the man who raised money and bailed out Dr. King from jail. This man put his money where his mouth is by financing the freedom rides. To call someone of Mr. Belafonte a boy is not only disrespectful to him but disrespectful to those he stood, worked, and fought with. Secondly, I read some people saying “He threw the first punch”. Again, what type of foolish statement is that? This isn’t a rap beef. This man has earned his stripes and any person who has the opportunity to receive constructive criticism from such a man whether public or private should feel honored. I would rather sit in a room and have this man tell me things that can make me a better man than to sit in a room and hear Jay Z tell me what type of car he drives, ANY DAY! We really need to wake up! This is a LEGEND and we all owe him respect!

I turned 30 years old a month ago and I grew up listening to Jay Z. I’m also a business owner in Detroit and as a black entrepreneur I have much respect for Jigga, however one thing I’ve learned over the years is you can’t buy dignity or integrity. True character is built out of the intangibles like speaking out on inequalities when the people paying you tell you to keep your mouth closed. Or standing for what’s right when you know it will cost you endorsements or relationships with big wigs. This is what makes you a man of dignity. Not having money in your bank account. You can hit the lottery tomorrow and be a multi-millionaire but that doesn’t make you a man of dignity. My generation really need to wake up because we are so confused and it’s sad. We don’t even value or even recognize the ones who stood for us and helped us get to where we are today. We should be sitting at the feet of these great men trying to pick up nuggets of wisdom but instead we’re walking around bobbing our heads to beats and lyrics lacking substance that contribute to our personal strives for greatness. Dr. Boyce great article Sir! I commend you for your boldness and willingness to tell the unpopular TRUTH! Keep up the great work. I Salute you Brother!

After sitting here reading your comment I’ve realized you and a lot of other people don’t know or understand how to translate Jay-z music. Ninety nine percent of the times Jay never talk about what you think you think hes talking about because he uses subliminal messages in every song he makes. For an example words like “Hublot watches and two door sports cars” that verse was about survivors guilt. Hes not trying to brag hes just trying to draw the listeners attention. The moral of Jay’s music is to deliver a strong message. You just have to be clever enough to comprehend it. Whether it’s useful or not he provides you with enough knowledge to make you to think wiser as well as making you want to learn more than you already know. I’m not condoning the disrespectful language he used to describe our living legend Mr. Belafonte but you also have to cut a tree from the roots and not the leaves. Mr. Belafonte should’ve never disrespected Jay-z by comparing him to a (white singer) named Bruce springsteen on a white media. I think that was extremely disrespectful coming from a black civil right activist leader.

I actually listen to Jay Z’s music and I agree that Dr. Boyce and others often take the lyrics out of context. The whole “Hublot” reference in used on a lot of his songs especially when he talks about “Time.” So that lyric wasn’t really a statement saying that he’s “convinced that having money vindicates nearly any form of ignorance that rolls out of his mouth,” It was a metaphor for Belefonte’s popularity (Like the popular song,De’O, mentioned in the same line” being something of the past.” Even the term “boy” likely wasn’t really used to disrespect. Even a Bible scripture can look terrible when taken out of context. Oh, and before someone goes there, I’m not saying Jay Z wrote the Bible, so please don’t take that out of context! LOL

Bro… Please stop… under NO circumstance should Jay Z be calling this legend a Boy. You can decode, interpret, and dissect his words all day every day but when you’re done the fact will remain, that is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS AN ELDER WHO HAVE DONE SO MUCH FOR OUR PEOPLE!

Jay Z was disrepectful to a great man. Yet, to clarify some of those lyrics..Jay said “Hubolt homie, Tudor homie” Hubolt was in reference to the previous line that its his time now. He is a business partner with Hubolt watches..and Tudor is a high price Rolex brand watch. He is saying on top of his business savy and he feels that he tutors his associates in financial responsibility. Lets be honest, it’s not about race in these coming ages. It’s about haves and have-nost. Look it up, average African American worth in less than $7,000 while Asians Americans are in the $20k, and whites are 90k.

This backlash at Jay is not fair. Mr. Belafonte started this whole thing way before now. Jay was minding his own business when Mr. Belafonte singled him out. Jay has every right to express how he feels, because when you think about it, Mr. Belafonte IS acting like a boy. What he should have done was actually get to know Jay, take him under his wing, so to speak, find out about the hip hop culture, and how influential Jay really is to this generation. A real mentor with genuine intentions would have done that instead of publicly calling someone out and challenging him.

What more can you expect from someone with a 10th grade education? Sure Jay Z made his riches copying every other successful rapper and mixing it up so well you don’t realize that he’s just a copy. Nas showed he wasn’t a real rapper with “Ether” that Jay J is just a boy from the hood with no education and emulates real rappers… it’s amazing the people who fall for this hook line and sinker. Beyonce married this ugly uneducated brother, because she saw a hustler that was willing to sell his soul for the $$. So they decided to build their “empire” and sold out. They don’t give back to the poor communities they came from. Harry Belafante is nothing to brag about either. He doesn’t see himself as black and has also sold his soul for riches… both “black men” are sad.. a real black man is Denzel Washington who gives back to his community and actually loves and helps black people.

This article is awful and it’s so sad they don’t have editors. I rarely understand what they are trying to say because of all the grammatical errors as well as English errors and misspelling on EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE. Do better black people DO BETTER!!!!!!

Dr. Watkins while your statement maybe eloquent and please you’re editors and many of your readers you and Mr. Belafonte both have forgotten one major thing that Mr. Carter is also a MAN. So you should remember that Mr. Belafonte drew first blood, so while you have a right to have feelings about it you should also exercise caution and view this situation in context. You’re friend Mr Belafonte made a statement that was very ignorant and destructive.

There is something lost in today’s society when it’s elders can’t hold it’s next generation accountable. Can’t call us on our stuff, without being repaid with disrespect. Yes, I agree Mr. Carter is a man and part of the reason he’s able to be the man he is, has to do with the man Mr. Belefonte is, was, and will go down in history as being. Just for that he is due a level of respect that should not ever be denied. Some people have earned the right to say things we don’t like, but we must be man/woman enough to take it…

in their Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , nothing new. Accidentally , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win to be able to design tie . He earned ??bold innovations to the tie appearance , in addition to increased in width twice the colour one is the most bright and colorful , cars raised you will find twice , the outcome ishttp://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-replica-uk.html
truly deep breath of great taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two custom “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) belonging to the common characteristics. Also[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/michael-kors-outlet-uk-watches.html]michael kors outlet uk watches[/url]
whether it be perfume or containers, have focused on the top of the class customers craving for a seamless life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The aim of my design is to have the wish of people’s minds – the most efficient[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/cheap-michael-kors-bag.html]cheap michael kors bag[/url]
within the U . s . , additionally the Country of america by having an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the to make a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand will begin to carry forward the wonderful[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]michael kors bags uk[/url]
near your vicinity Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father was actually a painter brilliant mother is an accomplished typical housewife , working with family background is worried, almost led clothing not the most impressive. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) for that acuity of clothing , goes for to be born , playing wow from urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together as anyone , to be sure that[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]Michael Kors Sale UK[/url]

at the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. Out of the blue , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win the chance to design tie . He earned ??bold innovations in your tie appearance , not simply increased in width twice the shade may appear far more bright and colorful , alters are also raised the fee twice , it feels righthttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/cheap-michael-kors-bags-outlet.html
is known as a deep breath slowly of a good taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two stylish fashion “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) of the common characteristics. [url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/cheap-michael-kors-bags-on-sale.html]cheap michael kors bags on sale[/url]
jewel perfume or containers, have focused on the top of the class customers craving for an appropriate life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The goal my design would likely be to obtain the desire for people’s minds – a good[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/michael-kors-bags-on-sale-uk.html]michael kors bags on sale uk[/url]
because of the Our nation , too with a measurable intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales nearby to produce a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand continue to keep carry forward the glorious[url=http://www.furnesscamra.co.uk/]michael kors bags uk[/url]
country wide Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father naturally painter and also the mother regarded as a typical housewife , from other family background is bothered, almost led clothing not the superior. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) on your acuity of clothing , goes for becoming born , playing the match of the urine of stitching clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together when you , guarantee[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/[/url]

I respect Harry Belafonte, but his words ABOUT Jay-Z to the media were wrong. Just because you do good things, does not give you a pass for every other action or message. Whether you like Jay-Z or not, I think his comment TO THE MEDIA was uncalled for. He did not take the time (or so it would be assumed by their exchange) to contact Jay-Z and Beyonce directly to discuss his thoughts. He personally attacked them, period.

I also think Jay-Z’ response was uncalled for. Because two wrongs does not make a right. I think he is intelligent enough to either not respond or respond in a better manner. So my opinion is they’re both wrong, but Belafonte sparked the controversy (people seem to ignore this fact).

And lastly, Dr. Watkins, hurray for your passion but you too are wrong. It’s evident that not only do you idolize HB (fine) and seemingly dislike Jay-Z (fine) but this fact seems to have made your piece about the matter biased. HB’s wisdom should have guided him into making a better statement in the first place. I can tell when people are completely out of touch with hip hop (I get it, I’m 31…it has changed drastically) but it just comes off as another whiny Black intellectual (see what I did there? insulting, huh?) Could have made my point without being insulting, but I guess just like HB, Jay-Z and yourself I muddled my message with an uncalled for attack.

contained in the Boston area . Then tie colors , deep black size-fits- all , not new. By accident , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) to win an opportunity design tie . He earned ??bold innovations just for the tie appearance , not necessarily increased wide twice the coloration could be more bright and colorful , vehicles raised price twice , it makes sensehttp://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/replica-mk-bags-uk.html
is definitely a deep breath slowly of good taste American fashion brand , style , highly stylized Ralph Lauren ‘s two stylish fashion “Lauren Ralph Lauren” ( Ralph Lauren Women ) and ” Polo Ralph Lauren “( Ralph Laolun Ma ball men ) with this common characteristics. Coupled with[url=http://www.motiongraphicsmedia.co.uk/michael-kors/mk-sale-online.html]mk sale online[/url]
of your house perfume or containers, have focused on top of the class customers longing for an ideal life . Or as Ralph Lauren ( Ralph Lauren ) , Mr. I said : ” The main my design is usually attain the like to find themselves people’s minds – the right[url=http://www.store-all.co.uk/mk-cheap-purses.html]mk cheap purses[/url]
through States , and in addition the North america that have an intense flavor . Two brand Ralph Lauren name PolobyRalphLauren and RalphLauren worldwide sales in the area to build a high -quality fashion , the designer Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren ‘s reputation and brand continues to be carry forward the glorious[url=http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/]http://www.hmarchitects.co.uk/[/url]
throughout the country Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren), whose father was a painter wonderful mother could be a typical housewife , employing family background is involved, almost led clothing not the. However , Ralph Lauren (Ralph Lauren) for ones acuity of clothing , can probably be said as being born , playing the action on the urine of sewing clothes themselves , the generals equipment and jeans together as anyone , to be sure[url=http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/]http://www.iloveyoulove.co.uk/[/url]

Well my Brother, you nailed in on the article about Jay-Z and Mr. Harry Belafonte.
Respect is one of the first things you learn at your parents knee. He is so disrespectful, but consider the source.
Too bad these are the people are youth are listening to. Perhaps he had too much Pepsi that day and it went to his head. I invite you to join the open group FB page: Solomon Northup Day: a celebration of freedom. I just finised producing, directing the 15th annual event in saratoga Springs, with and for descendants. Regency and FoxSearchligh attended as well.
Iif you are interested the event program is under ‘files’ inside the FB page for the group. Thank you for this article and I look forward to reading more from you. Sincerely, Renee [Renita] Moore.

Let me get this straight…Harry Belafonte with his white wife was some type of HUGE civil rights leader…lol…you can’t be serious…civil rights leader and white wife don’t even sound like politically right…think about that for a min Boy oops I meant Boyce…its so wonderful to see the most intelligent blackmen such as Dr. BOYce and Harry Bellawhitewifay say the dumbest things while so many idiots agree with them…deliberately ignoring The Shawn Carter scholarship foundation and the numerous trips to Africa to build plumbing and toilets for many villages…I truly think some people talk about Jay-z bcuz the have nothing else better to do……….

Only a remarkably ignorant person would think the race of Belafonte’s spouse affects his role as a civil rights leader. To be honest, I suspect you have not yet demonstrated the true depth of your ignorance. For all practical purposes, you appear to be nothing more than the polar extreme of the typical white supremacist, so consumed by the concept of race that true intellectual discourse can’t find even a corner of your brain in which to reside. Here’s a suggestion– Go read something more complex than Jay-Z’s liner notes.

Harry Belafonte has been a freedom Fighter all his life. Belafonte’s involvement in the struggles for equal rights is legendary. Do Rappers like Jay-Z believe they command respect in any way comparable to Belafonte? Show respect to your elders, it’s not all about making money any way you can.
-Lorna Simms

I think Boyce Watkins and Belafonte should leave Jay and Beyoncé alone.I read Belafonte’s very public criticism of them and it was wrong of him. No matter how old Belafonte is,he should respect the fact that Jay and Bey have feelings too.They don’t owe him anything,and they have given back to the community so much,long before he publicly scrutinized them. Watkins and Belafonte both need to realize that we’re all born to do different things in life. Maybe Jay and Beyoncé don’t feel as comfortable being activists like Belafonte, but they do what they do very well.They’ve worked extremely hard to become as successful as they are and just maybe that’s what they were born to do.They have conducted themselves very well as a young adult couple compared to some others.

That’s a shame that this kid don’t understand the importance of a Harry Belafonte or the likes there of. Ignorance is rampant and he seems to be the Hova of ignorance. This man don’t even know the plight of which Harry enduredjust so he would be able to do the things he does. Jay Z doesn’t understand that he’s the white mans main nigger as long as you can make him money, but the minute you stop making him money, your ass is our the door. They will take what you have and lock your black ass up, and then you’ll be right back here begging for support from the black community that you sold out. Jay stop trying to be apart of something the white man will never let you be apart of. You’re just his vessel to take down your people.

Pit the woman against the man their young against the old. I would say that Jay Z. is as relevant today as Harry B. was yesterday! At his age and available budget he can do a lot more than the working stiff. Respect is due! to Harry B. no question! but, I don’t think you should assassinate a young boy from the slum that made it out by hook or by crook! He has real money now and he is dealing and living in larger circles could you think he would still talk about the happenings as a child 20yrs later? A rapper is a reporter and fans look for those that tell a better story with punches in the verses. I understand what he said was in retort. You can throw a dart but most times you just gave your target a dart to throw back. Anyway, I gotta get some rest start a new job in the morning.

Dr. Boyce, Your words are very very true. Min. Louis Farrakhan’s words regarding the plight of blacks in this country has held true from his very beginning. J-Z nor any of his associates will every give up their life or material items to help their brothers that are trying to move from the pit of hell. JZ is selfish and self centered. He needs to study more, and stop writing those songs that degrade everyone. He has a child a little girl, he said he would not use the word “B” anymore, what will make him stop using the word “N” anymore, have a son and that son runs home one day and tells him a little white kid called him a nigga? Youth of today, believe they have made it, the death of Trayvon clearly lets you know that black men have not made it. The color of their skin has not changed.

I totally agree with the writter if this article. I think in hindsight so does Jay-Z. We have got to lean to act(which takes thought) instead of react which is nonthinking and immediate! I don’t think Jay-Z is stupid but as with Kanye and other rappers, he is still in the learning process and will eventually get it! Give it a try Jay-Z!

Seriously? DOC You address Jay-Z calling Harry Belafonte a Boy when in Hip Hop and music cadence the term boy is used in a cadence capacity on the song Nickels and Dimes. In the simple terms, “boy” is not the focus, but you choose to exploit it. If you know anything of hip hop or music in general some words are there to leap frog into a phrase or another word and could have easily been replaced by “dog” “homie” or “man”. He chose boy….its his right….its his song….its his expression. And You judge his intelligence on this song and or phrase?? Do Your fair research on Shawn Carter as you did research to attain your title as Doctor. Fair enough?? But we as black folk use the dumbest shit to tear each other down instead of finding and focusing on the positivity and building on that? How about Jay-z the Job creator ?. Have you even listened to OCEANS on the same album? address that DOC. Did you listen to “Somewhereinamerica”? do you even know what that song means stands for and is directed too? He is telling america that he knows he is still black and is aware that he does deals blacks never fathomed they could make in a racist society. Did you listen to “Open letter”? I guess you really believe Jay- Z has the power to turn “Havana to Atlanta” or Obama told him “Chill you gonna get me impeached, you don’t need this shit any way chill with me on the beach” This is a Hip Hop issue may be beyond your comprehension because some of us black folk look down on Rap as if we don’t have a right to make the millions that someone else wants to make off of our backs. rappers should make no apologies to people that don’t consider that maybe just maybe they just don’t understand hip hop and the same black folk are no different than an 80 year old white women that doesn’t understand black culture. Hey DOC why don’t you Address him giving money to africa for water. Maybe you are upset that he doesn’t care about being called a Nigga in Paris and can still be an anomaly and be a Nigga that Creates JObs, A nigga that gives back, a nigga that is a grown man and has the right to defend himself, and a Nigga that….oh yeah provides jobs. Be cool DOC and tell the whole story, stop trying to be popular off of the back of a NIGGA that has probably done more than you for his community. As I know tons of black doctors, lawyers and officials Jay-Z is as Belfonte was, a privileged entertainer that gives back. Love it or hate, check your facts. and as always. I love you sincerely DOC.

1. Jay-Z does not only speak about riches, if you are going to be critical be fair and do real research from his Inception to his Evolution. I mean what man is perfectly aligned? All of us have things others disagree with but the potential to be your “own owner” in music and entertainment is what Shawn Carter embodies. Why do we focus on one aspect of it without building the other side of the coin with the same attention?

2. As Mr. Belafonte is correct, and I agree to the general message he was sending in a very eloquent speech months back, I get tired of us publicly going at each others ideas and shooting them down. As I said, I believe his message meant no real harm as it was honest and true, but in most cases (Not Mr. Belafonte’s speech) we are no better than a reality show where the so called entertainment is arguing and fist fights. We can do better. Right?

Why don’t we formally/informally meet when the cameras are off and the magazines are shut and talk about the resolve and or agreements to disagree instead of throwing each other under the bus.
Wouldn’t it be inspiring to say:
” I met with Mr. Belefonte, Or I met with Jay-z on the issues I had with him and we have found common ground”
But instead, we mostly holler “change” in an arena where there are only cheerleaders instead of legitimate game changers and rule makers.

Meet first behind closed doors and organize, because truth is, everyone already knows the problems, everyone knows, now its time to put action to a solution and stop bickering amongst each other.

Two ways you can present your point in an argument/debate; one that will inspire it’s listeners or one that will infuriate them. How could Jay Z or any of his fans be inspired to listen to you when you talk so condescending?

Doc isn’t trying to be about inspiring, but self-serving and self-aggrandizing (dropping Min. Farrakhan and Rev. Jackson’s names). Truth needs no assistance in being inspiring, teaching, reforming . . . problem dude has is that there’s not a grain, one iota of Truth in the racist-stereotyping he usually does.

Dr Boy quote:so using this kind of vernacular to reference one of the greatest civil rights/entertainment icons in history makes Jay-Z look every bit as misguided as the bigoted Italians and Jews he seeks to emulate. watkins you are a rabble royusing scumbag preying on your own kind with a deep seated wanna be white attitude saying things to financially promote your projects you are Shite of the worst kind. you get the feeling when you look at the IQs of some of the Black people that follow you that you hit the mafuggan lottery!! you are nothing but a preditor of your own community who the fuuck are you to make comments about italians or jews unlike niiggers they got in the ghetto and out just as fast. every day I embrace white supremacy more and more because of niiggers like you Dr BOY Watkins joe momma got it right naming you Boy FUUCK YOU

I loved the article and think it hit the nail on the head. I’d go further though and excoriate Jay-Z and 50 cent who excuse their participation in the drug trade with the excuse that “everybody was doing it.” I have no use for the brain-dead among us who willingly help to destroy our communities for the privilege of making a buck. Their failure to condemn the selling of death convinces me that if their rap careers dried up they’d have no problem in going back to enslaving their people with drugs. Money is all that is of value to them.

I agree fully with this author, except for his broad attack on “bigoted Italians and Jews.” What’s that about? No specifics, just a general slur against whole groups of people because of their ethnicity or religion. So all Italians and Jews (who are no strangers to persecution, by the way) are bigots?!

That’s not right. Not right at all. It speaks to a bias on his part that is disturbing and mars an otherwise wonderful article.

When you are in the public’s eye there is an opportunity to be SEEN in standing for something which impacts and inspires many by what they SEE. Harry Belafonte was making a statement for a call to action for people to stay in touch with their lineage and remember the reason they are able to be the success they are today. He called out names of two prominent entertainers who he felt, in his opinion, could be visible activist for change.
Jay Z’s response was defensive and inappropriate.
I don’t know Harry Belafonte’s or Jay Z’ s artistic work thorough enough to reference more than their more popular artistic contributions . I can not judge their work or artistry. What I am clear about is that more activism is necessary to make change, and celebrities of color must be on the front line with everyone else to make that change happen. Especially, when we support them in many ways. They have a platform to magnify and represent change.
The lyrical response from Jay Z represents a disconnect from which a dialogue needs to take place in order to unite the community. The same kind of disconnect, though not as disgusting, took place when Lil Wayne mentioned Emmit Till inappropriately in a song. people are not in touch with where they have come from. Jay Z had every right to respond. Especially if he felt attacked by what Harry said. The context of that response breeds a step in the wrong direction for unity.
On the other hand rappers like Kendrick Lamar are activist and though he isn’t famous like Jay Z he is vocal about change. Harry Belafonte and all artist need to have this dialogue instead of trying to diss each other to bridge the generational gap towards a greater understanding about their lineage and what it really means.

I am troubled when the author of this otherwise very specific column throws in a broad reference to bigoted Jews and Italians who Jay-Z is supposedly emulating — without citing to whom he is specifically referring. As a result, I fear that his words unintentionally (I hope) condemn all Jews and Italians as bigots — or even all Jews and Italians in the music business as bigots.

I’m a woman and I feel that since it is totally acceptable to refer to us as girls, in return, I can refer to men as boys. This may be a generational thing, but boy can be anyone the same as girl can be any woman, so this is only a reflection of my expressing gender equity in language. I do know the history of that term though, so I would not say it to someone who I thought might have experienced bigotry related to that word.

I believe Jay Z is a talented artist — some of his lyrics aren’t my favorites, but there are a lot of artists I like who have some lyrics I don’t like but still enjoy the artist’s work overall. It also isn’t true that he doesn’t get involved politically or with social causes.

I don’t believe it follows that if you are white and like his music, that you are the type of person who thinks in racist terms as described above. You can love music and appreciate what he does — music can and should be able to cross racial lines. However, with that said, I feel it is inappropriate that I’d sing along to his songs, they contain a lot of words I’d never say.

I also appreciate Mr. Belafonte’s musical and civil rights work. We have a long way to go to achieve gender and racial equality and we all need to speak up when we see inequity happening to anyone anywhere due to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, financial status etc. The more people who do, the better we make the world.

It is great when people who do have a big audience can be role models, but not everyone is comfortable with that and although I applaud it when I see it, I don’t think we have the right to expect that — we need to work on ourselves first and be our best versions of ourselves (lead by example) before we start picking other people apart. If we all treated each other how we’d like to be treated, the world would be a better place.

making reference to your friend or peer as a girl or boy is much different than calling an elder or non-familiar person a boy or girl. You must lookat “boy” in the context that it is used in. We can look at his comments in another sense too. If you don’t have respect for Seniors, adults, relatives older than yourself and your family didn’t teach you that you are in trouble… This is beyond Jay Z he just happened to use a blatant example of our ignorance to ourselves.

WHY DO WE CALL EVERY CELEBRITY ROLE MODLE HALF OF THEM DONT WANT THAT TITLE JAY Z DOSE MUCH WORK WE WILL NEVER HEAR ABOUT BUT HE NEVER CLAIMED TO BE A ANGEL BUT SOME TIMES HE DOSE ANGELS WORK GET OFF THE ATTACKING WE ALL KNOW HOW HE FIRST GOT HIS MONEY ACEPT THE CHARITY AND KEEP IT MOVING

After reading your response I am reminded that literacy and spelling is not your strength. I understood what u were trying to say but the simple words u misspelt tells me that u should return to school. Not knocking u but spelling does as dose does not show your intelligence which I’m sure you have.

Observing your use of spelling, grammar and syntax reminds me that no matter how well one can express themselves in the written English language, one should never associate that with intelligence. Think of all the Chinese and Indian foreigners who come to this country who cannot express themselves in english no better than a five-year-old, yet hold some of the most highly sensitive positions in academia and corporate America. It’s the substance of what one is attempting to convey that matters most in effective communication

While Jay-Z has given back through his foundation and other avenues, these are acts of charity. Mr. Belafonte was speaking about activism which calls for more sustained activity to promote systemic change and directly challenges the status quo. Mr. Belafonte was calling on Jay-Z to use his huge platform to promote change that will having a lasting, positive effect on black people. Jay-Z has not done this.

That being said, Mr. Belafonte might have gotten his message across better had he not made his feeling public. And I think Jay-Z had every right to address it in the same manner. But Jay-Z calling Mr. Belafonte a “boy” was totally uncalled for.

The name Jay Z doesn’t deserve to be spoken in the same sentence as the name Harry Belafonte. Jay Z has no class, character, nor the wisdom and respect which Mr. Belafonte has EARNED over the years…so “Hova” needs to go sit his lil “bought sense” ass down and learn to give thanks to God for simply allowing him to exist in the same world as Belafonte…at the same damn time!

YES…I BELIEVE RESPECT IS DUE TO MR. BELAFONTE. MOST DEFINITELY!! BUT I DONT WANT TO COME DOWN ON A MAN LIKE JAY Z FOR WHAHT SOME PEOPLE DONT KNOW OR HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT JAY. DIDNT HE GIVE MAD PEOPLE JOBS THROUGH HIS BUSINESS VENTURES???? DIDNT HE GIVE WATER TO PEOPLE IN AFRICA WHO WERE DYING BECAUSE THEY DIDNT HAVE ANY??? DIDNT HE DONATE A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO OBAMAS CAMPAIGN??? THERES A LONG LIST OF GOOD JAY Z HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE AND PEOPLE IN GENERAL. ITS UNFORTUNATE THAT WE HAVE TO CONTINUALLY PUT A MAN UNDER SUCH A MICROSCOPE, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE DONT WALK IN HIS SHOES OR KNOW ALL THAT HE’S DONE. I AGREE, MR. BELAFONTE IS ONE OF OUR GREATEST FIGHTERS FOR TRUTH AND FREEDOM, AND RESPECT IS DUE. BUT LETS NOT ACT AS IF JAY Z ISNT A MAN EITHER.

Pity, Jay-Z’s wealth has clouded his judgement, but he’s not the first and certainly won’t be the last. Jay-Z has yet to understand his platform because he’s too busy acquiring what he can’t take to his grave.

I applaud Dr. Boyce with his spot on addressing of the blatant disrespect Jay-Z showed Mr. Belafonte and Black people as a whole. I have long said that we need to let the N word die the death it deserves. but for some unbeknownst reason, we want to treat a derogatory term for our people as some form of an endearment and it’s not!! I am not now nor have I ever been anyone’s n*gga nor will I ever be one.

We need to become more responsible for the things we say in all forms of media. Given the range that Jay-Z and others in the rap community have in reaching people, they need to be more cognizant of their words and how it will impact our children.

Jay Z has giving back to his community more than anyone on here has think about it Man I can run down a list of entertainers that have given but didnt want people to know ( Bill Cosby Diddy Jay Z Roberta Flack …) So stop with talking and do more in your hood.

Dr I agree using the term boy in the line is not a good look. What I cant rock with you on is Jay Z having to show and prove what he has done for the community. I see you just want to jump on the band wagon with quoting a part of the whole song. If you listen to the whole song or read the lyrics you would see where he states “The purest form of giving is anonymous to anonymous” Should he give you a list of all of the things hes done in his life time The list of people hes put through college moved them out of the projects given them jobs partnered with them in businesses in brooklyn the list goes on. Why pick Jay z and not use the guest list of the attendees of the naacp image awards? Why not say Denzel Washington Jamie Foxx Tyler Perry Oprah Bob Johnson or Stephen G. Hill In one breath your saying hes talking about his car and how much success hes accomplished whats wrong with that? Its not different than rich dad poor dad or any other medium used to inspire people to go for their personal goals. I guess Jay Z should be arm in arm with Mr Sharpton walking through the streets of brooklyn then he will be seen as someone that hasnt “turned their back on social responsibility” Some people like to been seen when they give because it makes them look good While other like to give without all the fanfare. I just hope can stop expecting entertainers to do certain things and start putting that same pressure on OUR COMMUNITY Im sure most of the people on here havent done anything in their community in the last 90 days.

Hard to understand people, Black or other, standing up for Jay-Z. In this blog someone called him da King, another person said he was the best DJ/Rapper, yet another said, “you don’t know what he has done for us here at Marcy housing projects”. Has anyone listen to his music and Beyoncé’s music in reverse. Well look on-line or find a way to do it yourself. Subliminal jargon, negative and demonic can be heard. You think these two are with you, you are eternally wrong. They are brainwashing our people , our children, our world with hate and evil. Da King? What about Dr. King? Give me a break, Michael Jackson is the king. The best DJ? Where should I start? Rapper? Heck Eminem is better than Jay-Z will ever be, not to mention Run DMC, Snoop, Dr. Dre, Tupac, Biggie Smalls, Everyone in NWA, Beastie Boys, Sugar Hill Gang. Marcy Housing Project folks, you need to get better role models. I grew up in the worst housing projects of the time, (1970’s) “Aliso Housing Projects” in Los Angeles and I learned to choose decent role models in which to pattern my life after: Like the man down the building whose son graduated from high school and was attending college, then he bought a small home and got married. Isn’t that a good role model? And isn’t his accomplishment something attainable? Possible? And not stabbing someone for street cred? My people, set your sights on plausible not hoes and cars, jets and mansions, money, clothes, and shoes. Live your live, start small and build. Idolizing the man down the building is far better than worshiping a false idol of biblical proportions. “Now is the time!” Peace and Love my friends.

As a black male, Jay Z KNOWS full well that Every word Every action is under the microscope! Whether it be by white or black individuals. As children, we are taught to repsect constructive criticism from our elders, because it comes from love and concern. Not to cause harm, but cause us to rethink our course of action in our circumstance. I DO NOT tolerate disrespect of those who paved the way for us to jolly pop in the street and in the meda!! As if we fought for the freedoms they carelessly take for granted. I like the music, but Now the man comes into question. Gonna sit back and see JUST HOW FAR WE’VE “REALLY” COME.

Thanks for calling the shots as you see them. Jay-Z sells a lot of records. His wife makes a lot of money too. Are they awake to the reality we as a people face? I think not. Jay-Z is not worthy of tying the bootstrap of Harry Belafonte…

In the words you published I see Jay-Z pointing out that Mr Belafonte made his money by singing songs that were not uplifting to blacks and used that money to buy expensive things for himself. He also says he has done a lot for the black community a lot of it without drawing attention to himself. Boy = not responsible and to make a blanket statement about all of the blacks in the entertainment industry. Mr Belafonte does this too often not to be called on it.

Jay Z responded because he feels the most guilt and he should! He’s one of the most influential entertainers in the business period affecting all genres. He’s by far one of the most intellectual but his ego is what is caused him to stoop this low. Many of us let our egos crowed are judgment, he should be way beyond that mentally and morally. The Jim crow laws are killing our people, and it’s starting to backfire and cross over to all races.

Thank you Dr. for this very well scripted statement! It choked me up, especially in light of the recent developments in Florida.

I already did not like Jay-Z. Not keen on the rest of the family either. So of course I do not buy his music or his products. Is there an additional way I can express my disdain given this horendous development?

I was very upset with the King Family when they un-invited Uncle Harry to their Mother’s funeral after president bush said he would not come if Mr. Belefonte was there. This was at the insistance of rev eddie long [all lower case intended] and look where he is now. When will be learn? Lord HELP!

There was a time in Black culture when we respected our elders. Sure, our elders on occasion would say the craziest shit to us because they could. Though, we didn’t like what was said, we had to take it because our parents raised us to respect our elders, good or bad. Jay-Z calling Harry Belafonte, an elder boy is as low as you can go but Jay represents the era where respecting your elder is just a phrase used to remind the ignorant of the old days. Harry Belafonte is a warrior and Jay-Z knows this but instead of biting his tongue he decided to dis one of own to get people to talk about his single which by the way are doing. Why? Because he dissed Harry Belafonte. Pathetic!!!!

Boyce Watkins, your comments are right on. However, I might add one thing. A member of a church mentioned that her pastor was out of touch. Why? he continued to preach to the women of the church to obey their husbands. The problem was this: He didn’t realize that none of the women in his church(other than the other group) had one. The same is happening among black community-leaders, and the black intelligentsia, oftentimes. Perhaps, we need to give up on trying to save a bifurcated black community, and construct another kind. To be sure, today, the fight ought to be fought for the rights of good and free people to exist peaceably, while pursuit happiness in life. We keep carrying along, with us, murderers, drug-dealers, black separatists and thieves; we want the world to understand people, that will shoot you and I down like a ‘dawg’. We are no longer a monogamous or a heterogeneous community. Interracial dating and marriages have become part and parcel of the new black/white community landscape. It is time for the rest of us to cut the umbilical cord (when it comes to the un- incorrigible), and instead to reach out to salvageable youth and others, in order o build the community that we envision, leaving the rest behind. We have a lot of black folks, that are no different than Zimmerman, who find a reason to kill black people, and then run for cover. Our great black leaders, also need to get up to speed in that regard. All black people, and black people, need to join the rest of us ‘in the real world’!

Why Jay-z didn’t get tough with Robert Deniro when Deniro chumped him at Leonardo De Caprio’s Birthday Party,Here is the interview by Julie Miller:

2:30 PM, July 11 2013

Jay-Z Still Not Ready to Return Robert De Niro’s Calls After Reported Confrontation at Leonardo DiCaprio’s Birthday Party

So maybe this is why we did not see Robert De Niro snapping cell-phone photos of Jay-Z during his six-hour marathon performance of “Picasso Baby” in New York City yesterday. The unlikely duo reportedly had a falling out at Leonardo DiCaprio’s 38th-birthday party in November—remember how fun that was?—over a song that Jay-Z is said to have agreed to record for the Tribeca Film Festival, according to The Evening Standard. Held at the Darby in Manhattan, the party was attended by Cameron Diaz, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, and Jonah Hill and may or may not have featured the birthday boy beat-boxing to 2Chainz. But the revelry reportedly paused, for one table at least, when De Niro, who co-starred with DiCaprio in This Boy’s Life in 1993, decided to focus on something other than Beyoncé—or Leonardo DiCaprio beat-boxing—and bring up business. (Who can think about business at a time like that?)

According to a source talking to The Daily Standard, an argument erupted at De Niro’s table after “Jay-Z went over to say hello, [and] De Niro told Jay that he never called him back.”

Yesterday, Jay-Z answered questions about the tensions during an interview with the New York radio station Power 105.1, philosophically explaining: “I treat people based on who they are . . . who they REALLY are. Not their name, like Robert De Niro. Who they are as a person. It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone has to be respectful . . . we’re all human beings and we’re supposed to be respectful to one another.” Asked whether he ever returned De Niro’s calls, the rapper simply replied, “No, I haven’t.”

Robert De Niro, if you are reading this, we hear that Twitter is an effective medium for public apology.

You see why none of these so called artist… can never spend a cent in my brek dollar..with all the money in the world….these idiots are still as dumb.. as block of rocks…imagine disrespecting someone like belafonte..who had to put up with so much racist shite in his time to pave a way for clowns like jay-z….if jay-z had to die tomorrow..what legacy will he leave behind…I look at great men and women of colour..who the majority of them were poor financially..but rich in substance..I dare Jay-z to make that list..

He’s a Chump! (Jay z)Robert De Niro set his ass straight you heard nothing more about it! now because Harry had a few words, he wanna try and chump him, by calling him a boy???? he need to sit his ass down somewhere and raise his damn daughter! he done got real cocky! on the black community money!

has anyone read the Willie Lynch letters? Put the black man against the younger back man and put the younger black man against the older black man. It is still perpetuating itself.Educate yourself. Jay , man if you are doing all you can do ,you should not have felt any kind of way by what he said. Remember with your type of fame comes responsibility even if you do not want it. It is time to unite as a people not divide. Mr Carter you say you do not have a slave mentality than act as such. You have to realize nobody cares how much money have ,I know it helps, if you are doing something positive with it, which i hear you do. I think people would like for you to step up to your potential to be a real role model. Speak out and take a stand that is all. I know you got your money on your mind, and i know you have love in your heart for your people. As you said it was hard out here for you in those streets but you made it. cool/ but it is not wise to disrespect your elders.

Unless I missed something here is the link to the NAACP AWARDS where Harry Belafonte challenge all black entertainers to do more for the black race… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ZRo5ws44I
The fact that Jay-z decided to say anything indicated that he felt attacked personally…but let’s face it when we know without a shadow of a doubt that what we are doing or have done is adequate we have no need to say anything especially when it wasn’t a comment directed solely at you. No one ever said he or any other entertainer was required to give away their money, simply use their celebrity to further a plight other than their pockets. Furthermore as we spend time replying to the each others comments and the great writing by Dr.Boyce what are we doing to help the black or global community?
Peace

Yes, you did miss something. In an interview with some publication (all the particulars escape me) Mr. Belafonte employed a tactic commonly used by rappers trying to generate attention for upcoming projects (causes in Mr. Belafonte’s case) and called out both Jay-Z and Beyonce in particular, while praising Bruce Springstein. However, it would be a gross and horrific mistake to associate anything the fool (who reacts to the stereotypes the media generate about Black males by attacking the victims in ways that is palpable to to a black boozhee mentality) that wrote the article above, with what Mr. Belafonte was attempting to say or do. Dude could never get Mr. Belafonte to endorse any of the articles he has attempted to write in favor of Mr. Belafonte by attacking Jay-Z and the hip hop culture in general.

I was born a block away from Marcy projects. None of you know what people like us had to go through, and Mr. Carter has always been there for us. So why don’t you find some other celebrity to chop down, not the king.

Negro, you are pretty brainwashed. Jay hasn’t done SHIT for us. what the fuck are you talking about. You just took that loyalty shit FULL RETARD son. That nigga don’t give not even a drop of give a fuck about you and you think he’s your buddy. Fuckin hilarious.

For example, when Barclay’s began staffing it’s new arena, did you know that all candidates had to reside in one of various lower economic housing projects around Brooklyn. Where or when have you ever heard of poor folks getting dibbs in such away? Do you think that if Jay was a par owner of the arena it would have kicked-off like that. Though my first mind was to respond to you in kind, you know, the way you hollered at my peeps, but then I’m reminded that there are probably many more worthy earnestly looking for answers . . . the Truth — which, btw, Jay-Z IS!!!

You are an idiot if you think Jay-Z is doing all that for you and your community. Its always something for something with Jay-Z. Dr. Boyce is correct in what he wrote about Jay-Z. How dare he called Harry Belafonte a “boy”? How would he like it if someone refers to Beyonce as “gyal”? He is ignorant and illiterate and all the money in the world can never make Jay-Z a better person if he doesnt have it within. He should be respecting all that Harry Belafonte has done over the years growing up with high racism and paving the way for people like Jay-Z to have it much better now than back then. I’m amazed all the time how we black people love to hate on our own black people instead of helping each other upward, but instead we continue to step on our own so that we can move upward to look good to the white man who doesnt give a shit about you.

Dr. Watkins, I am in total agreement of your response towards Jay Z. My God…to call Harry Belfonte a “boy,” was beyond disrespectful. I took the liberty to read a synopsis of his Bio…and notice his father his father left home when he was 11. Then there was an issue, when Jay Z shot his brother. With that being said, it seem to me Jay Z have some internal issues from the absence of his father, which is why he disrespected Mr. Belfonte who is old enough to be his great great grandfather. Any guy who shoot his own brother will definitely not have any regards or respect for Mr. Belfonte and he is not even blood. That alone is a huge problem and I would suggest Jay Z need to do some soul searching to get to the bottom of his issues. If Jay Z is so wrapped up in materials things and how much money he got in the bank, he is demonstrating immaturity. For starter, Jay Z need to begin by apologizing to Mr. Belfonte and then take it a step further and listen to what Harry has to say. Jay Z needs a male role model to educate him so he can begin to heal from why his father left home. He need to deal with his childhood life to his present, and only then Jay Z can move forward with his life. That is my recommendation I have Jay Z.

I don’t REALLY CARE about the BELAFONTEs and POINTIERs! It’s like if HOLLYWOOD don’t want to deal with us (African-Americans) they get somebody who LOOK like us! MOST of those Blacks or WANNABE Blacks back then didn’t even like being associated with us unless it benefited them! As far as Jay-Z……..FUCK’EM too!

Ken your ignorance of the facts is sad. Next time before you make such a statement take the time to research the facts. It is sad that you are uniformed or uneducated in the history those two civil and human rights activist have made and still making. I feel sad for you.

Mr. Belafonte with all his connections could have privately reached out to Jay Z however, he chose to make a public statement and was responded to publicly. As far as the use of the term boy again Dr. Watkins goes off on a tangent and taking it out of context. Dr. Watkins belief that Jay Z is afraid to speak out for fear of offending White people seems pretty silly. Dr. Watkins has chosen his path let Mr.Carter chose his own. He may surprise us all one day.

IM 25 YRS OF AGE FIRST AND FOREMOST…..SALUTE REAL WARRIORS LIKE MR.BELAFONTE. MY PURPOSE IS NOT TO THRASH THE JIGGA MAN, BUT WHAT I WILL SAY IS THAT IT DOESNT MATTER HOW HE MEANT IT, YOU SHOULD NEVER REFER TO AN OLD MAN AS A BOY, ESPECIALLY AN OLD MAN WITH THE STATURE OF MR.BELAFONTE. I BUMP SOME JAY SONGS HEAVILY AS I AM ALSO A PROFESSIONAL DJ BUT WE GOT TO REALIZE THAT JAY ANSWERS TO A HIGHER ORDER, AN ORDER THAT HAS PUT HIM IN THE POSITION THAT HE IS IN, HE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO OPEN HIS MOUTH AND SPEAK OF UPLIFTMENT FOR THE DOWN TRODDEN. LOL ITS SAD ACTUALLY, THEY TOOK THE SHACKLES OFF OF OUR WRISTS AND ANKLES AND PUT IT INTO SOME OF OUR POCKETS……FACT.

It’s expected? Jay Z said he’s a boy never taught how to be a man. He’s crying out for fatherly mentoring though his irresponsible childish behavior. A man knows not to disrespect an elder; you graciously say yes sir and keep stepping regardless of the harness or illogicalness of the advice.

Glad you wrote on this topic! I just interviewed BIG DADDY KANE and asked him ” With the amount of money being made by todays hip hop artist, will we ever come together and put out music with a messege-being the money is there for us to do such things now days?” ….Check out the clip BIG DADDY KANE Iconic Chronicles Magazine. ICONIC CHRONICLES MAGAZINE part 1 of 2 w/ the Legendary Rap Icon
BIG DADDY KANE! ‪#‎CLASSICHIPHOP‬! ‪#‎BOOOOM‬!!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7-1Kyq8gYg&feature=youtu.be

I am just so shocked to hear this stupid guy daring to talk back to a legend, a MAN like Harry!

Jay what have u done for your people! Take a second and think! How dare u talk back to Harry Belafonte who stood up when only REAL MEN dare to! How dare u little sh.it dare to compare your miserable life and achievement to Harry’s!

Remember this, In the land of Real Black Men u ain’t sh.it! And Harry has already entered HISTORY!

Guys, let’s all of us BLACK MEN and WOMEN who still Respect and Value sacrifice boycott this stup.id bounty moth.fucker of Jay I don’t no shit!

Fuc’k U stupid Jay sh.it!

Harry ain’t boxing in the same weight than u stupid sell out!And u will never have his Legacy from the Proud people!

Mr. Belafonte made a judgment based on what he THOUGHT, not what he knew. No matter how much Jay-Z and Beyonce do it’s obviously not enough for Mr. Belafonte. If Harry Belafonte can say something about Jay and Beyonce, then they have the right to say something about Harry. Don’t base others responsibilities on your own experiences. Jay-Z and Beyonce have NO responsibilities other than what they choose themselves. Mr. Belafonte’s personal struggle is respected but it is not everyone’s personal struggle and he should respect that. I’m sure Jay and Beyonce work on changing the system using there own methods which are effective in their own way.

Young brother I think you missed the point, the biggest issue today is the shooting death of Trayvon Martin have you heard anything from JayZ’s mouth to our young black brothers out there that trying to cope with Police brutality, angry white men mudering our youth and black on black crime….shit he knows all to well, hell he came from the Marcie Housing Projects….come on help these young brothers who buy yo shit navigate this messed up system….

What a travesty. I’m one that’s excited about the success of any brother or sister in America, however, when all that matters is what you can acquire rather than what you can give, then we lose the sense of purpose and humanity. I find it appalling that any hip hopper or African American accepts being called a nigga, most without any understanding of what it is other than to identify themselves with it,but feels it’s alright to address each other as boy, both which were negative terms directed to Blacks.

I’ve always considered myself a fan of hip hop and a lover of most music. I honestly think that Jay-Z’s words were taken out of context. I cannot conceive that he called Mr. Bellefonte a “boy” to be disrespectful. In hip hop vernacular, the word “boy” is often used as a term of endearment. Of course Jay could have chosen his words more carefully but the way people have come down on him is ridiculous.
As a child, I always respected my elders. I showed them the upmost respect regardless of the fact that I may have felt disrespected. However, in my adult life, I only respect those that show me respect. I understand that Mr. Bellefonte has done more in 10 minutes for blacks than Jay-Z has done in the last year. However, I do not think that gives him the right to call him out nationally. I don’t care who you are or what you’ve done. As a man, there is a correct and incorrect way to let a man know you do not a disagree with what it is that he is doing. Mr. Bellefonte did it the incorrect way.
Also, although Jay-Z does have his fair share of “I got money now screw everything else songs”, I think he is a great example for young African American men. How many rappers promote a good family relationship whereby you stand by your wife and raise your child? How many rappers have acclimated themselves in a way that allows them to rub elbows with some of the most influential leaders and business executives in the U.S.? How many rappers have scholarship foundations that regularly give money to less fortunate children so that they can attend college and elect not to have a press conference every time they do it?
Finally, Jay-Z has inspired millions to be more than a rapper. Through his music, he has directly told kids not to make the same mistakes he’s made. “Like I told you sell drugs, NO! Hov did that so hopefully you don’t have to go through that.” (Jay-Z “H to the Izzo”). Furthermore, Jay-Z HAS actually talked about how he’s donated money and been a philanthropist. “

“I put dollars on mine, ask Columbine
When the Twin Towers dropped, I was the first in line
Donating proceeds off every ticket sold
When I was out on the road, that’s how you judge Hov, no?
Ain’t I supposed to be absorbed myself?
Every time there’s a tragedy, I’m the first one to help
They call me this misogynist, but they don’t call me the dude
To take his dollars to give gifts at the projects” (Jay-Z “Blue Print 2)

That being said, I think that the two just need to have a conversation to clear up any misunderstanding and everyone else needs to chill out. The generational gap seems to be more of the problem than anything.

Well said Ken. Thank you for your response. “Thou shall not judge other people” should be the 11th commandment. Far be it from me to try to interpret if Jay Z called Mr. Belafonte a boy or not. I can speak for myself and say that “I” wouldn’t do that but that’s as just my opinion of that part of the debate. Finally, who are “we” to tell people how they should give of themselves?

This isn’t much different than most generational gaps, IMO: older black man criticizes young black, young black takes offense and bucks back.

I see both sides, honestly. I can see Harry having a high standard for what black celebrities should do for their communities, because he’s one of the people who set that standard. But it’s not like Jay-Z doesn’t do anything at all – on Watch The Throne, he rapped against standards of beauty that don’t recognize blacks, and he rapped about black on black crime. But the facts are that his songs about social causes just don’t resonate – either they aren’t as good as his other songs, or people just don’t want to hear it. At other times, he falls completely short, like with the OWS Rocawear tees smh. I think that as a musician, he just isn’t capable of going there: listen to Minority Report, That’s My B*tch, Oceans, etc. It’s like the good song priorities set in before the ability to really dig into an issue with his lyrics. He’s tried, but it’s just not there.

I’ve seen dream hampton say that Jay actually does do work for the black community, but he does so privately. He also worked to help Obama get elected. Publicly, I think he does good in the sense of pushing a black art form to new heights; I don’t think that can be understated, considering how much blacks have been abused in the entertainment industry over the years. He’s also heading a record label and signed Jay Electronica and J Cole, rappers who are able to handle some of those other forms of representation that the black community usually doesn’t have these days in hip-hop, and that Jay doesn’t really excel in. He signed a military brat/college kid and a former homeless person to his label. He’s not perfect in the arena of social responsibility. But I do think Jay cares – he’s just trying to help in a different way.

None of the above compares to what Harry Belafonte has done. Harry is a true pioneer who Jay can’t match at all, in that regard. But I think saying that Jay has no concept of social responsibility is short-sighted. Jay felt disrespected – Harry probably doesn’t know much of what he does, though I’m not ruling it out – so Jay bucked back. And obviously, what Harry says is more important to him than a Lil Wayne diss just done to make a reaction.

What Jay said was disrespectful, and I think he should apologize. But young blacks and old blacks both need to communicate better with each other. Young ones need to respect their elders and hear them out to learn. Elders should speak to younger blacks in a way that embraces them as family, and inspires them to improve; not speak to them like children and accuse them of not caring.

Well written Boyce! Kudos to you. From one who shares so many things in common with Mr Harry Belafonte – roots, religion, race, skin colour, gender etc… It would be good for all of us to honour Mr Belafonte rather than ill-speak of the gentleman. I care not to include the offender in my comments as he may just feel gratified with the political mileage he seeks.

Let us as a people recognise the worth of each other, support and lift up each other as we play our part in the race of humanity.

If you don’t buy Jay-Z’s crap music, he will strike a deal that forces you to download it while having a sponsor pay for all of his albums. He will always find a way to lie, cheat and steal for accolades.

Thank you, a thousand times thank you. I can’t understand why Oprah lets her girl crush on Beyonce cloud her judgement regarding this devil, evil man. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the twilight zone because I feel like I’m the only person who sees this jealous spirited dweeb for exactly who he is. He is a disgusting man. He prefers to be thought of as bad but he is just disgusting.

I just wanted to offer up a little back story info on the term you used in your piece “sell you up the river”. Actually, the correct term is “sell you DOWN the river”.

My city, Richmond, VA (RVA) became the largest hub for human trafficking in America because of a federal law that prohibited importation of Africans in January 1808.

That was when ships became banned from bringing captive Africans over here to sell. The traders just found another way around the law: domestic breeding programs, as they called them.

People from all around Central Virginia would be snatched away from their families and shoved onto auction blocks only five minutes from my front door. Rows and rows of auction houses stood side by side with a red flag over their doors to let shoppers know what was going on inside. The bidding would commence.

Once you were sold and the payment was exchanged, they’d round you up and a little cage on wheels would cart you along the first American railroad from the auction house to the edge of The James River at a place I know very well called Ancarrow’s Landing. A whole lot of other times, people walked The Trail to the water’s edge.

When you arrived at the bank of the river, a boat would be waiting to take you to North Carolina or Georgia or Tennessee or Mississippi or Alabama or Florida. You’d get in and you would never ever ever come home to see your family again. You had just been sold at a premium because you were reputed to be a prized docile servant or a well trained laborer coming out of Central Virginia where they were known to produce the best, most manageable unpaid workforce in all the world.

Thus, down south you were headed and from this heartbreaking act comes the term: YOU JUST GOT SOLD DOWN THE RIVER.

My husband started a company within the last 3 yrs, and it is gears more towards hip-hop. I’m sorry. let me rephrase that, TRUE hip-hop, not only in song but in art as well. These are the things that my husband is trying to get our young people out there to see and understand. TRUE hip-hop is not about money in the bank, gangsters, drugs, or how many “notches in the belt” a person has. It is about a manifestation of who we are as a black people, and it brings it to life. It is love, anger, happiness, rage, joy, peace…. it is the platform of the human existence. It is the 20 billion dollars that should of been used to rebuild the black community, but ended up being the death and the destruction of the black family through drugs, and the hunting of our black men.It is being used to destroy what is left of the positive community, and the black family. Hip-hop is much more deeper than what the average person see on the television. Hip-hop is like water, without it no one exists.

JayZ … you oughtta’ be ashamed of yourself. You are obviously not a student of black history,or you are a revisionist. Either way, you need to read up! You’re rich … you’re not intelligent, nor are you a real man (black or otherwise.) You do your culture, and the world at large, a great disservice. You shouldn’t show your face until you rethink yourself. And put some clothes on your wife!! Any self-respecting man would not let his wife go out like that!!!

Very well said Sir! There was a question asked as to ‘Why sould an Entertainer make public his/her contributions..’ I ask why not?…I understand some do it and care not for the recognition or show for having done so, but these ‘Entertainers are looked up to by our Youth, who’s impressionable minds are absorbing every little thing done or said by these ‘Entertainers’, so why not make it known when they ‘give back’ to their community or does something positive in support of our race? They promote their new Movies or CD’s, promote the stride toward making things better for their kids start with themselves, because while my son/daughter may be looking up to you, who’s your kid looking up to?…

Very well said Sir, some have broken down the lingo..etc and expressed it as a figure of speech, that is fine…yet still within the quoted “rap” the words speak a disrespect, in MY opinion… and YES these glorified entertainers NEED to speak out publicly, why not?..when they put out a new CD or movie they promote it and get it in any way they can, so why should they not allow their ‘followers/fans’ to see their public support of something positive for the better of the Black race…unfortunately each public step these ‘Entertainers’ makes, shapes and forms the opinions in the minds of our youths, even more so than their parents…

I’m 24 years old and before a few years ago I heavily listened to hip hop and artist like Jay Z. I became aware of the ignorance and evilness associated with it and altogether refused that genre of music. I hear, for the most part, from the supporters of Jayz and hip hop, that the older people need to more respect then maybe they can receive some. What you supporters fell to realize is Jay z was been corrected, not disrespected. Jayz refused the corrections, like so many other teenagers and young adults and even adult age boy and girls,and he responded with disrespect. I see this behavior everyday and not just in the black community, this prideful character is world wide and is the root cause of every issue we are dealing with in this world. In closing, be followers of Jesus Christ.

Apologies for coming to this so late, but, permit me to express profound gratitude to Dr. Boyce. It would seem that where Jay Z and Harry Belafonte are concerned, there is a grave misunderstanding afoot. A misunderstanding founded on divergent relationships to self, to Blackness, the community and the universe.
Where Mr. Belafonte ascended to dizzying heights of show business success out of a crucible of white supremacist terror, which supremacy he observed the temerity to challenge as a Civil and Human Rights activist for the last two generations and counting, Baby Brother, Jay Z, came of age in the post-Civil Rights ‘me’ era of the eighties.
It would also appear that, where Mr. Belafonte would seem to have been reared with a powerful sense of social responsibility, Jay Z would seem to have been reared with a powerful self-preservationist ethic, for lack of a better term.
Those things notwithstanding, it would also seem as if, for all his fantabulous material success, Baby Brother must be powerfully insecure to take a call-to-arms from an elder statesman who has done magnificent battle on the same stage as he, indeed, who has helped create the stage for him, as a mere ‘dis’ to him.
I can’t help but think that, for perpetually prostrating himself at the altar of ‘Niggadom,’ Baby Brother cannot see wherefore he has ‘common ground’ with his elder. Mr. B. was not attempting to ‘chop’ him ‘down,’ but rather, to lift him up. And, if he will only risk stepping beyond the belief he is ‘Nigga,’ even for a moment, he may be able to see that.
I tend not to want to rebuke bad behavior on the part of our juniors, lest the subjects of the critiques miss the point, but I’m afraid Dr. Boyce’s scold is ever so on point. Thank you.

I am stopping from my house cleaning to write this note of response on Jay-z and Mr. B. See I moving to Africa…again…came home to clean out my house and move back to Cape Town…
If my history serves me right didn’t Mr. B bring 23 students over to attend Harvart U. and one was the Prisendent father? Is that how the story is written….and you call Mr. B a ‘boy’…see that losing all respect for ourselves and our elders…it called ‘no’ upbringing, but assimulation to the new plantation operational constrainst. Sad…the legacy of the old to the new plantation…see with all that money see if you can buy a airline with some of that money…I think the man from BET when it was sold found out, no matter how much you think money will paved the way…nope it the education of know ‘how’ to use it…Jay-z–sad…you ant all that…but Mr. B is…and the chips…
I have witnessed the impact of his music in Africa and the Caribbean…and Mr. B is still honored, but Jay-z is going by the way of parents disowning and stoping thier children from listening to him…believe…white let them have it…but it’s the old school of Mr. B that is honored and lasting for all cultures. Now back to work….for this big move.

Amazing how so many “so called” success stories of colored people in the USA wear muzzles and shackles, and in some cases…handcuffs. When it comes to raising the volume of their voices, standing up for civil rights, and putting up their fists to fight for what’s right, many shy away, hide, or worry more about their financial risks before even thinking about taking action on the injustices on behalf of its people.

Clearly we are 100% accountable for our own actions and successes, as much as, being a responsible and conscious citizen.

Jay Z still raps about”cooking up rock up in da kitchen” in 2013 in his “songs”
while he and his plastic wife pal around and get chummy with our worthless sell out of a president.

Here he is still citing his “glory days” as a drug dealer from 30 years ago ,setting a great example for impoverished single parent ghetto youth.

Black kids in the hood that sling drugs wind up dead or in jail not in the arms of a plastic super model,spending 20,000 on a baby crib.

It makes me sick on multiple levels.
The fact that a drug dealer has become a youth icon and the fact that a guy who stabbed someone over a pre release bootlegged record has become so revered in our society is a sign of the times,just like Eric Zimmerman being found not guilty by an all white jury.

Lets face it this guy is a thug,a criminal who got really lucky and was a good business man who was in the right place at the right time.

Talent,integrity,moral fiber and community leadership are qualities he has not.
To even remotely compare this thug in any way shape or form to Mr Belafonte is a disgrace.

Lil Wayne disrespecting Mr. Till, Rick Ross glorifying drugging women and raping them, now this. It’s time to take out the trash and well over due. Jay Z isn’t worthy to spit shine Mr. Belafonte’s shoes with his tongue. Mr. Belafonte is the epitome of class, dignity, and respect. He actually earned his success. Jay Z is rich but he’s poor when it comes to character, class, respect and dignity. Mr. Belafonte has the whole package. Jay Z needs to be asking for pointers instead of being ignorant.

Harry and Jay are both trailblazers. Harry deserves Jay Z’s respect for sure. Jay Z has provided opportunities for many of Blacks, some who have even achieved a level of success to that of his. I was in Jay Z protect mode, before I read the article. Besides saying Jay Z is just another N*gga in Paris, I agree with your point. I would argue that his content, though on the surface, may seem superficial, his lyrics are that of rebellion, that help me see a little through his lens. I dont think Jay Z is on the other side, if his lyrics are any indication, he lets us know he aspires for other blacks to achieve high. Maybe he could use his influence more, in terms of making change. But when it was time to get the first black president elected, he spoke loud and clear. That being said, although it would be nice to see Jay be more pro black, I dont expect him to do that. I expect him to make great music. And in that music, he does not ignore black culture. I appreciate that. It is motivation enough for me, personally. But obviously, he does more than that.

Dr. Boyce: How dare you criticize Harry Belafonte, who has made many sacrifices in his life for the “The Struggle,” at the expense of his career. Who is Jay Z, the progenitor of the n-word done; wearer of over-sized gold chains, sneakers made in Taiwan, and producer of soul-crippling music, when you feel the need to come to his defense because this great man, who has proven himself to be a warrior in the fight for Justice? Maybe he called him a “boy” because he acts like one. The problem with this new generation is that they think they know everything, but knows nothing, and don’t want anyone telling them otherwise! What you fail to mention is that Jay Z stands on the shoulders of many black men and women–Mr. Belafonte, included–to enable him to put out the adolescent, aural BS he produces for for the sake of ‘getting paid’. Every generation has its time in the Sun; but this one, seems divorced from the black struggle, and concerned only with the transitory, material things in life; instead of the spiritual needs of the soul, which are needed to sustain black people in their ongoing struggle here, in the United States. You owe Mr. Belafonte–NOT Harry–an apology!!!

I am not sure that you are clear on the message that was presented. I suggest that ou go back, sit down, take your time and actually read what was written. Or at least have someone else read and explain because obviously, you have totally misunderstood what Dr. Boyce has written. Reading IS Fundamental…

You know, it’s funny how one want to speak about disrespect, when we all know that words in the black community is changeable. Meaning, when you talk to me and I don’t like what your saying instead of using the N word (which I’m trying to make a change in my language), I say “child please”. Now, though it seems this will be so appalling to you because you would have looked at this as if I’m using the word “child” to low you or something. In GODs eyes we are all children, I mean no harm by it so if you hear me saying it, it meanlingless. I think this is taken way to serious and out of content. To defend Jay-Z, if you really don’t understand the language and how we read it than, I suggest you ask. Some people lose focus and/or never lived in the hood, some folks forget they did, changed there world, didn’t lose sight, but lost the word connection. Jay-Z is a smart young man, who also have sat and still sitting on boards that Mr. Belafonte never was able to do. Mr. Belafonte paved the way for his generation and Jay-Z is paving the way for his. Remember, “Give no honor to MAN, was and still in GOD’s plan. As far as the comment about how our President is hanging out with him, but he understand and he too, keeps it real. Freedom of speech is live and kicking. Instead of being to tight about this, run an article about the language, so we all can understand.

What I don’t understand is why does Mr. Belefonté want them to be public with their volunteering or donations?
I’m a very private person and I volunteer regularly, I don’t feel the need to boast or brag about it publicly because I’m not looking public validation, I’m looking to help those in need.
Did you guys know about Jay Z’s foundation? Or how he has given away scholarships to students with less than perfect GPAs? Or how about Beyoncé’s hair school or former convicts? No need to mention the organizations they have PRIVATELY donated to, a well as a few organizations they have publicly worked with.
I totally get where Mr. Belefonté was coming from but I also felt like he should’ve had that private conversation with Jay Z.
As far a the lyric, “boy” may not have been the most appropriate term. But I think everyone deeming Jay as totally “disrespectful” is a reach.

Wouldn’t it be beneficial to brag about the good works you do if you can brag regularly about the riches you have and the places you have been. Some people who listen to this music take there cues from the stuff going on in the music. What to drink what to wear. How about bragging about the good deeds you do so that they know there is more out there than shoes and drinks and jewelry.

I agree that Jayz shouldn’t disrespect Belefonte. But everyone’s response seems to be expressing everything negative they feel about hip hop culture. If people do a little research they would see that jayz does a lot to help his community. I think people need to do more in general to help their community. It’s funny how people are viewed by the music they create or listen to. I’m pretty sure people would fall all over themselves to meet Miles Davis even though he abused women. I think jayz was wrong and it should be left at that but to attack his character without knowing a person is misguided.

jay-z was wrong to try to call someone out like that. point blank period. Belafonte was telling them right and he wasn’t just talking to him, but a guilty rat always squeaks….. no matter what jay-z has done in the past, what is he doing now? He’s doing so well and has millions of dollars, but can’t stand up for anything other than calling people out of their name and calling himself a derogatory racial slur??? I just lost a little more respect for him….it’s almost all gone.

Where did Harry B. even attack Jay-Z? He just said black entertainers should use their influence and power to help the community. It tells more about Jay-Z fans when they hear help and think money.
Help means promotion of black empowerement, education, economic independence. Harry B. is nowhere wrong in his statements as hip hop is filled with nonsense today. How many AA entertainers are openly activists like 2pac nowadays?
All they spend their time doing is talking about themselves and glorifying thug lifestyle.

Jay Z has a Jewish master that throws him a few more dollars to keep his mouth shut when it comes to anything that negatively effects his own kind. He is just another highly paid steppin fetchit. Millions or no millions.

I don’t like Jay-Z’s music, I don’t like what he stands for. I don’t like the idea that we live in a society where any mush-mouthed idiot able to put together a snappy tune gets the presumption of knowledge. Frankly, if he were to disappear off the face of the earth tomorrow he’d hardly be missed. For him to diss Harry Belafonte, a man who used his considerable wealth and fame to fund a movement is just more evidence that he knows so little about history. I have never spent my hard earned money on a Jay-Z CD and don’t intend to start now. Of course, he doesn’t need my money. It seems there is no shortage of simpletons ready to buy anything he’s selling.

So, I’d never heard the song “Nickels and Dimes” before reading this article or hearing about the “boy” reference in Jay-Z’s song. I cannot help but feel ‘some kind of way’ about all of this after hearing the song and contemplating all of this. Could Jay-Z have been more careful with his references? Yes! Could Jay-Z have done what Mr. Belafonte and Dr. Watkins didn’t do, which is to sit down with Mr. Belafonte? Yes!

Thing is – what has me feeling some kind of way is that as elders and scholars, I think it sets a better example for our youth to see you get together behind closed doors. Get the facts straight. Then, meet in public to discuss the mistake(s) and the resolution.

I pray readers listen to the song. What Jay-Z is expressing is conflicted emotions associated with giving and receiving. He then makes two references to Mr. Belafonte as “Mr. Belafonte” and “Mr. Dao” before using the term boy, which was clearly used as a connotative, contextual hip-hop expression. In the same song he called his daughter “a little monster”. Are we to take that to mean that he thinks she is a monster?

The article by Dr. Watkins doesn’t reference the actual song title from which the lyrics were taken. I think it should be edited to do just that. That way, people can check the reference for themselves. Then, to have an intelligent discourse about any issue, we have to get away from the prejoratives and babified expressions. In other words, stop the name calling! I notice that the articles that feature name-calling always attract the name-calling commenters. Articles that focus on name-calling further exacerbate the raw, emotional vitriol held by folks who mask their need for healing in invidious judgements of others. Read the comments on any social media platform and you’ll see this very type of thing.

I believe(and I could be wrong) that this article is more an attempt to honor Mr. Belafonte than to defame Jay-Z. It strikes me as more a “You took a shot at the Civil Rights icon, I’m taking a shot at you” than anything else. I think the better way to honor Mr. Belafonte is to set up the meeting (if possible). Let’s be the bridge to better understanding that people desparately need in this day and time.

Good point of view. I will listen to the song a bit closer today.
Thanks.
By the way I’m sure that “Mr. Dao” is “Mr. Belafonte”.
Jay Z was referring to “Day-O, The Banana Boat Song” that Mr Belafonte recorded in the 50’s. Its a Jamaican/caribbean folk song workers sang back in the day.

So just to be clear, it’s ok for Mr. Belafonte to voice his opinions in public about Jay and Beyonce (instead of picking up a phone and having a civilized conversation), but it’s not OK for Jay to respond? Got it! Y’all carry on! Respect is a two way street at all times.

dr boyce is very dumb when it comes to hip-hop so i will not join issues with him with what he doesn’t understand. last words to him is, stop fermenting trouble among black people. we dont hate ourselves. we are innovative, ingenious and smart. you should focus your writing energy on the Zimmerman case.

Why should Dr. Watkins stop talking about hip hop. What positive message has hip hop sent in the past 10 years. We may not say we hate ourselves but listen to the messages I our music. Trayvon Martin and others like him are profiled based on the image we allow to be put in the media. I know the news and other media outlets demonize black people but what happens when we add to the stereotypes set before us. Black people need to stop thinking that ignorance is okay and that being down is more important than educating our children. You mentioned that Dr. Watkins should concentrate on Trayvon Martin, I apologize if I miss quoted you. Ask yourself this question people rush to defend hip hop artist but what have they done I the wake of Trayvon Martin and others who have been profiled? Have they helped or hurt the image of young black people? What is missed today is that the artist who can before used their Influence to get the message out that we should be better. There have been other Trayvon Martin’s and what about Chicago, Detroit, Brooklyn, and Camden to name a few places where blacks kill blacks. What has Jay-Z said about that , NOTHING. None of them do, ask yourself why?

I have all of Jay’s albums. With exception of his first album, he never really talks about his material possessions, maybe a song here and there. The fact that any of you would think other wise says a lot. In nearly every song Jay is telling young black men that there is a better way of doing things, dont do it the way I did.. For example, in the song H-izzo, “so you wanna sell drugs, nawl, Hov did that so hopefully you wouldnt have to go through that”… Even on his first album, if you actually listen to the songs D’evils, Regrets, Politics as Usual, but you have to actually listen to what he is saying in the music…. Jay makes political statements in a lot of his songs, on the album Kingdom Come, the song Minority Report, was his vocal statement as to his displeasure with how the government handle the Hurricane Katrina situation. Speaking of Katrina, Jay-Z was the first on to write a check (1,000,000)for relief efforts. In the song minority reports, he admits that he should have done more, and actually offered time. I understand the premise of the article, but I am going to need the author to take a different approach and not attack Jay’s music because of his bias to hip-hop music. You cant speak on what you dont really listen to……

I dont think yall really understand that yall older people busting another young black man add to the problem not make it better now its disrespect on both sides,both have opened doors for blacks ,what do people do when someones throws shots at you you throw some back now if Mr. Harry had sit him down talk to him in a respectable manner like they did you. There would not be a problem and its about what are you doing to change things talking about whats wrong dont change it. In the 80s we heard our parents and others call each other the n word so we use it the same way they did .

So, as one poster said, if that’s all you got out of that verse, ” you’re old”. Then I guess you have to be “old” to know one of things Black men of Mr. Belafonte’s ilk fought so hard for was to be treated with dignity & respect by white men & women. And now we’ve come to the point that those who benefitted from their courage & conviction “spit” on them in total disrespect and contempt.

I don’t think you have to be old to interpret those words as disrespect, you just have to have a bit of intellect, common decency and a sense of right and wrong. And that’s the seriously sad part of those who think Jay Z had a right to come back on HB in the way he did.

They don’t see anything wrong with it. To them, he deserved it.

How sad that you don’t know this was wrong on so many levels. It speaks of a malignant mentality that has come to infect too many in our communities.

This is the same mentality that kills because someone stepped on your shoe, or accidentally bumped into you in a crowd, or dented your car in an ACCIDENT.

That same mentality that murders our babies on their porches, in their beds, in public parks, because, oh well, they shouldn’t have been in the way. And then, go on to party like all they did was miss a layup.

The same mentality that shows up on The “Murray” Povich show when a teen says “My baby gon wear Nikes, and if I have to knock somebody in the head to get it, oh well…” (Or, sells death on our corners, and will kill to protect territory, but then turn around & protect the little white girls who come from the suburbs to buy it…)

That’s the mentality that says if you can make a buck off of doing it, you can justify exploiting the descecration of Emmett Till’s horror, and trample on other icons of our civil rights struggle.

And yes, I have helped build a well in Africa. You don’t have to be halfway to billionaire status to do that. You just have to give to charity. I know lots of people who don’t have half a billion dollars, but they live lives that set good examples that benefit the common good of the community. They’re concerned about something other than the superficial feel good, live-in-the-moment, rump shaking, braggadocio vapid lifestyle of darkness.

But, if money, fame/fortune and self is your god, you probably think living that other life is for the “old”.

I so agree with you Zee, so on point. Jay-Z should definitely apologize to Mr. Belafonte and he should also step up and represent our communities in a more positive manner, heck he’s a father what in the heck will he teach his own children about our history as a people…scary thought….

Two weeks ago, while shopping at a Walmart in Charlotte, NC, I encountered a twenty six year old young man working there who had never heard of Jackie Robinson. Imagine that! It’s no wonder our nation’s schools are failing our youth. We’re in trouble because these young people are getting their education from the likes of Jay-Z and Lil Wayne…

“We’re in trouble because these young people are getting their education from the likes of Jay-Z and Lil Wayne”

These cats are entertainers, don’t expect anything from them except for the music they sell. If our schools aren’t teaching our children, why are PARENTS not up in arms about that? And why aren’t PARENTS teaching their children? They go out of their way to purchase the latest and greatest P2P games, sneakers, SMART PHONES but wont take the time to TEACH them about out great Afro American heritage? It STARTS at HOME.

It’s a shame you had to throw in a moral judgement against the ‘wrong’ kind of women. Why should Mrs Carter object to being compared to Lil Kim’s raunchy older sister? Beyonce is a glamorous, talented and successful woman – what she, Lil Kim or any other woman does in private is none of our business.

Thats the point he’s trying to make…
He’s saying calling Harry Belafonte names like that is just as bad.
Mr. Belafonte is NOT from the generation of calling each other “Boy” and “Nigga”
He was in a move that called for him to be smacked and He had them change it to a Black man smacking a white person…
Do you know how big that is in the 50’s?
No one who risked their career and life in those days
wants to ever be called a “BOY” or “N*GGER” again.

Yes sir!!!! I do NOT like Jay-Z and the other hip-hop artist such as him that make fun of and belittle what these men and women went through. Lil’ Wayne making stupid references to Emmitt Till, Jay-Z justifying the use of the word “nigga”, when will it end!!! Thank you for a well written article that speaks truth to power!!!

In my opinion numerous elderly people believe that their age automatically constitutes respect. In order to be respected you must also give it. Before an individual gives criticism one must do their homework first. Clearly this author hasn’t listen to a whole Jay-Z album by making such asinine statements assuming that Jay Z only raps about material possessions. Please Google his philanthropy before you throw stones. Have any of you built a well in Africa?

Sir, it’s safe to assume that you’ve never listened to a whole Jay-Z album either. Everyone has an opinion, however when individuals such as yourself make fallacious claims if sullies your claim. Would I say that every song that Mr. Carter makes is uplifting? Of course not, however his music provides a balance of both food for thought, and something to bob your head to. But, one basic principle of hip-hop is honesty. Most senior citizens, and “do-gooders” always point out the fact that most rappers speak of N*ggaz, B’s, & Ho’s. However, I’m sure that everyone on this thread can name someone that they would consider to be one of the three. (Y’all don’t hear me though). Calling him a racist because he uses the N word is just as factual as me wearing a red cape makes me Superman. (Sounds silly doesn’t it?) If listening to a man who didn’t finish college, and grew to be a multi-millionaire by diversifying his portfolio. Who is successfully selling music, clothes, & major deals with Samsung the hell we more “non thinkers.”

Not all respect is dictated by giving respect. Allot of the younger generation expects respect, while our older generation went and changed the world and have earned it. The problem is the gap between where the younger generation doesn’t know the blood sweat and tears that was shed for the liberties they have, to even be bold enough to demand anything. Jay-Z is old enough to know exactly who and what Mr. Balafonte is. It’s our responsibility not to just go and do good work in the world like building water wells or helping wherever there’s a need but to LEAD by example. To inspire young people to be LEADERS to change the world not entertain it. I come from the Hip Hop era and love music. The right thing to do regardless of what any of you think is for Jay-Z to formally apologize to Mr. Belefonte even if he didn’t mean to call him a boy for he has earned that right of RESPECT, before Sean Carter AKA Jigga was even born. I recommend that all of you Google Mr. Harry Belafonte and find out some history that you can only wish to make. I’m done!!!!

So, the people who risked their lives, busted their behinds for your ungrateful, ignorant generations are supposed to bow down to you? After sacrifices and insults, slights and living in sheer terror in this nation and making a way out of no way for the likes of you they haven’t already earned respect? Should Martin and Malcolm come back to life and meet up with you should they also bow down to your generation too?
There are some elders who have truly EARNED respect and made a way for YOU. There are days when I truly wish you would encounter what they went through so that you’d know how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.

Ok I have learned that b4 I make any comments I get every side and I have. I am just hearing about this and my thoughts are from what I have experienced. I am 33 years old and I believe in showing respect for oneself and others’. Jay is a grown man and so is Harry and they should sit down and talk this through. I think Jay was wrong for responding through his song, because that is immature and isn’t any better that someone asking for a divorce through text message. Yes, I have been told and have learn that you have to give respect to get respect, but we as a people and Human Race don’t think about anyone but ourselves majority of the time. Slavery is the root of all of the “getting money, I got to be rich mentality” Blacks feel they have to be better and rich to show white people they are not inferior. Blacks think they are the only ones that had to grow up poor, but they aren’t and I am Black and proud to be Black. The thing is our ancestor are the gateway to all of the success we as a people have and the freedoms we have, because if it wasn’t for them we would still be working on plantations and getting whipped by master. Martin, Harry, Rosa, Malcolm, Marcus and many other fought for our behinds to make sure we continued to be free and get treated fairly and get to make millions. Respect has to be given on each side. See I have noticed even in myself that when people get old new things are considered childish. I don’t listen to Justin Beiber, because that’s for the current generation and those who like that type of music, but my respect toward Justin is to no bash his music, because I have grown out of that type of sound. You don’t bash someones innovation as well as you don’t call someone a nigger white or black. Boy is demeaning to Black males and Jay shouldn’t have said it in his lyrics. Harry has someone speaking for him and I think that’s not right, because they are not his words or opinions that’s why they both need to be men about this and have a meeting.

Ma’am with all do respect lets keep the insults out of the discussion. Just as you may refer to “millennials” as ignorant, and ungrateful. I can call people of your age group grumpy and out of touch. Never once did I say that Mr. Belafonte should “bow” to anyone. The only time a man should bow is when he’s tying his shoes or greeting a lady. My point is every MAN is due respect, regardless of age and social status. No person should be able to say whatever they want and not expect a reaction. So because Jigga decided to reflect the treatment that Mr. Belafonte initiated he’s the bad guy??? Sounds a little hypocritical in my opinion.

Finally Boyce Watkins nailed it right on the head. I usually don’t pay any attention to most of the things that he puts in print. However, this one is a winner. Jay-Z is an IDIOT!!! A CERTIFIABLE IDIOT. Money and fame has gone to his ugly head. Ughhh, I dislike him so much.

First of all Jay-Z doesn’t owe anyone anything. He can pick and choose who he decides to spend his money on, it’s his money that he worked hard for. I’m so tired of black folks thinking that because someone is black, they should give back to the black community. White folks don’t do that and nor is it expected. As for Jay Z calling Mr. Belafonte a “boy” I didn’t read it that way, but even if he did, Mr. Belafonte took shots at him. If you can’t take it, don’t dish it. Respect is a two-way street. Those who participated in the civil rights movement, CHOOSE to do so, just like Jay Z CHOOSES who and how he spends his money. To expect him to take care of black folks, including those in the projects he grew up in is like expecting someone to just hand you over your rent money or you student loan money. It’s ludicrous. You do what you want with your money, let him do with what he wants with his and leave him alone. DAMN! When the dude didn’t have $500 million in his account no one said a word. SMH.

You sound silly as hell, Belafonte and other activists and entertainers that sacrificed their careers to make opportunities for us to live the way we do now. You’re beholding to a guy that brags about his money and his current money is based off the drug money he made. Even on this album (17 years since his first album) he still talking about dope. And you defend this! Crack caused drug overdoses, fueled prisons, shoot outs, gang violence, destroyed family structures, and stripped away the wealth of our community. And he made money off of his exploitation of his own people ( he didnt sell in white neighborhoods) he sold crack in brooklyn, jersey and black hoods. He is a sellout that has white washed his image as a clean bragadocious rappper that turned blood money into legal wealth and arrogantly laughs in the average black persons face that cant afford the clothes,cars, liquour, jewelry, and women he has. SISTA SIT DOWN SOMEWHERE and read a damn book!

That’s one of the dumbest comments I’ve heard in a short time but it’s obvious, unlike the trailblazers like a Belafonte who gave up their lives for the greater good for their people, artists like Jay-Z are quick to be offended instead of having a sit down with the legend to understand that it’s more than just making millions off of blacks and give only to select few. This generation have no socially conscious leaders to empower them, educate them or inspire other than into a damn rap career. Too scared to get involved in the social arena to raise the consciousness of young blacks who only see the entertainment field as a way out. Maybe if you read up on the Civil Rights and entertainers like Belafonte maybe you’d understand why he’s frustrated with today’s black artists and their lack of interests in impacting their followers in a more positive light but hey maybe one day the light will come on but then again maybe not….

Hey, quick few questions, y’all. Anyone send money to Africa for clean drinking water? No? OK.
Well, anyone do anything for the victims of Katrina or the Hurricane Sandy or create a few hundred jobs in Brooklyn, NY? No?
OK just checking.

C’mon Mr. Carter. You’ve got to be insane to think that Harry Belafonte is some left over peasant boy. He carried the torch in the 50’s and 60’s when real men stepped up to the plate and go kicked around. You gotta know these things if you want to walk around like the king of everything.

Dr Boyce you have inadvertently put more oil in the fire…take your own advice and try to deal with this in private with Jay-z if you can…you belittling him in public is the same as he has done to the Legend…the white media must be rubbing their hand in glee….Lets try a different approach than the ego fueled attacks….I don’t particular care for Jay-z but its time we have proper discourse amongst ourselves…no matter how ridiculous some of us may seem…..Jah Bless….

Well said; I had stop listening to Jay Z’s music when he started calling himself Hova. The only Hova I know is JEHOVAH GOD, and he definitly isn’t GOD!! Let’s hope that Mr.Carter take into account what was said and make amends with Mr.Belafonte.

First of all I’m all for respecting our elders BUT It’s a 2 way street! How does someone attack another person and don’t expect them to retaliate! Respect is a 2 way street! I don’t give a damn how old u are!

This article is terribly pointed…1 if you throw a shot at a mans wife that man has the right to respond 2. If Jay z should keep Mr Belafonte’s name out his mouth shouldnt Mr Belafonte do the same? 3. I think its interesting that the people that fought for our rights (such as our freedom of speech) are the same ones that try to violate them smh

Yes i TOTALLY AGREE, it’s an order that everyone must follow and Jay Z needs 2 know that. The problem is when u touch so much money u start to think ur untouchable unbreakable. He believes because he has communiction with the president of the united states. At 40 plus still selling platinum music and sold out shows. That he has sum kind of right 2 be disrespectful 2 those that laid the REAL BLUE PRINT for his ass 2 make the moves that he does. Jay z needs to humble himself and give praises 2 whom its due. Know that u must give ur respect time and ear and money if needed to causes that great men like Harry Belefonte has created. for those are the same causes that made u the man wit the money that u are today.. #YOUNGBLACKMENNEEDTORESPECTTHEREOLDERBLACKELDERS

First things first, Peace & Blessings…
I just wanna say, Jay needs to seriously apologize to that great blackman, Mr. Harry Belafonte! For the simple fact, he’s our elder, griot, example, idol, survivor of the fittest! Regardless of your finacial mound in life. Its still a lil hill compared to the accomplishments of Mr. Belafonte. It just shows us the lack of integrity as a blackman Jay has evolved into. From me to Jay-Z, you need a check up from the neck up! A boy is, “born into the cipher and dont know why!” Hence, the acronyhm b-o-y… It’s not cool at all and Jay needs to fix this one. Real Spill! Peace, representing the Nation of Gods and Earths Allah-u-Akbar

Well ladies and gentlemen this one of major problems involving today’s black people. The lack of respect for the people responsible for alot of advantages that we uhave today. Calling a black man boy is worse than calling him a nigger, if I’m wrong please enlighten me. Some of us have forgotten the struggle and what it entails. This disrespectful behavior by popular entertainers is awfully atrocious because they hurting the movement not helping. They are not the cause but it does not help to hear popular or affluent black people make fun of or talk in a disrespectful manner to them. They don’t speak up when tragedies happen but you speak when you think someone has said something out of place and person being an elder, how far we have fallen when it’s cool to disrespect our elders. Who cares about acquired objects when our children are being hunted down and killed, all these artist do is talk about popping mollies, getting our young women drunk and taking them home, and they are still talking about killing each other. It’s this behavior that is destroying the black moment today and why some think it’s okay to profilee and disrespect our women. What happened to the days when we respected the people involved in the civil rights struggle?

JayZ has reached the level of success he has — despite the crudenes of his lyrics and his total lack of social awareness — as a result of the values, or lack of same, in the black community. WE helped make him the force, financially and musically, that he is. What does this say about us? Is it time we began to criticize the JayZ’s of the world and teach our children a different set of values? Maybe John Linden and Luigi Fiasco will help instill a different message. Time to honor those who honor us!

Here is where the two brothers should get together and talk. We are one and we need to always see that and think that, some of us will see the light before others but we help each other until they also can see the light. It is always the younger of us who should go to the older, not the other way around.You see the older one is the Elder and the Elders have a certain status as Elders.These devils want us to do just what we are doing.We need to disappoint them cocknockers.

I think there are two important things to consider in this discussion that have been left out.
First, Mr. Belefonte started this issue. He publicly made a comment about what Jay Z and other entertainers should do with their time and resources. How is it okay for someone to make a public verbal indictment and then get upset when the person who was attacked fights back? When did it become okay to let someone older than you get away with attacking you on account of age? So, the retaliation Mr. Belafonte received is simply that–retaliation. As my elderly (since we are talking about elders) grandma used to say, “If you can’t take it then don’t dish it!”

Next, Jay Z is an entertainer and businessman. He is not a social activist!!! Again, he is not a social activist!!! That is not his lane! People can not automatically decide that because he has earned a degree of material success that he has the “responsibility” to do anything. What he does have is the “freedom to choose” how he will or will not involve himself in the issues in society in general and the black community in particular. We need to stop “drafting” people to fight in social wars they do not want to participate in.

Like every other person in the U.S., Jay Z has the right to spend his money the way he desires. He earned his money and does not owe anyone any thing! We need to rid ourselves of this sense of entitlement and we won’t find ourselves as disappointed as often.

Instead of publicly indicting Jay Z, Mr. Belafonte should have publicly commended him for his positive contributions as a black business man in society. He should have commented on the “doors” that Jay Z has opened for so many other black people. Instead of focusing on what he is not doing (according to Mr. Belafonte’s standards), let’s focus on what he is and continues to do.

Dr. Boyce where were you and the rest of the pack when rappers were calling women whores and bitches you continue to evade the real issues of todays BLACK problems. We as Black adults needs to apologize to our children (PUBLICLY) for the things WE allowed to take a hold of our psyche and run amook in our communities—stop blaming the white man for everything—-you always sound like a CHILD—-whinning about the white man , Harry Belafonte and thousands of others laid A blueprint for an EXTENSION of our freedom —-you black self serving so-called leaders are a bunch of hypocrites looking to fatten your wallets while taking advantage OF every opportunity —- corrupting instead of bringing about any real change –We are now at the point where we should UNITE with all people to form a bond of peace and togetherness —and get rid of this hateful nonsense—–let’s fight to return creativity and parent involvement in our schools, our kids need a different kind of self expression – you want to release offenders without coming together with a BLUEPRIINT FOR returning our neighborhoods to a healthy state of existence–THAT IS A WEAK PLAN DOOMED TO FAIL— PEACE TO ALL HUMAN BEINGS!!!!…JZ NEEDS TO KEEP QUIET—-HIS PART AS BEEN DONE!!!!

Don’t hold your breath Jay Z want stooped to anyone because like Kanye he feels that he is just that HIGH and GREAT but what he needs to realize is that all that money and fame he has right now can be taken over night just like Paula Deen who had it all and lost it in the blink of an eye.The scrpitures say those who are humble will be raised up and for those who are proud and haughty they will be brought low.

First of all Jay is a talented man and has earned and strived for every dollar he has made in music and other innovations. We are the ones who buy his clothing and music and then want to bash the man for having money. If you had the money he had someone would be bashing you too without fully knowing or wanting to know your true character. The N word has been around since slavery, so it didn’t just start with rappers or Paula Dean. The crazy part about the whole N word controversy is that we as black people can degrade each other with the word 24/7, but the white man can’t anymore or they lose everything or their lives. I don’t hate my race don’t get me wrong, but I listen and pay attention not only to my race but every race. The sad part about it is we are fighting each other and it it only one race and that is Human Race. The name calling needs to stop and we all need to come together, It’s easy to talk about somebody and call names, but hard to help one another be better. Look in the mirror and check yourself out from all that you have done b4 you check out someone else and what they have done. JS

Well said Dr. Boyce. Thanks for bringing this to light. We will never have equal justice as long as this type of disrespect and conflict exists within our own community. Why disrespect someone who has done so much for civil rights ? Shame on you JZ. We need more strong leaders like Harry B more than ever. Money shouldn’t make you ignorant . He has Harry definitely mixed up with some of his protégés.

I am quite sure that Mr. Belafonte is not upset with Mr. Magna Carta. If anything he was expecting a disrespectful response. At the end of the day he understands that Mr. Carter is just another “Mis-Uneducated Negro.” So for Mr. Belafonte this is the greatest tragedy!

The Mis-Education of the Negro. Carter G. Woodson 1934
The thought of’ the inferiority of the Negro is drilled into him in almost every class he enters and in almost every book he studies. Carter G. Woodson

I dont know if JZ will every read this column or our comments. I hope that he will open his eyes one day. I have such a disrespect for anyone who treats OUR black forefathers who died and bled and endured recism to get us where we are now. I don’t even think calling him a nigga would bother him. And that’s just so so sad. But we must realize that this is where our society is. We have a black generation that is just lost. Let’s pray that the next generation will be smarter. The babies will have to save us.

In addition to risking his life and career as a public advocate for civil rights, Harry Belafonte could give Jay-Z a lesson in private charity. When Belafonte learned in 1961 that Martin Luther King did not have any money or insurance, he went in with Sidney Poitier and bought a $50,000 life insurance policy. When King was assassinated, the $50,000 was virtually the only money Coretta Scott king had to raise her fatherless children.

This is well written, however I pray that Jay-Z and Mr. Belafonte have a sit down, where this issue can be resolved. I am saddened that Jay- Z did not know better. This proves that our elders have done a poor job of passing on the legacy of those who have paved the way for Blacks to exist in America. Mr Belafonte is a remarkable human being. He is a man of honour and distinction. Mr. Belafonte used his celebrity and wealth to finance the Civil Rights Movement along with Sidney Poitier and others. This is a sad day and no one who heard the song before it was released was wise enough to pull Mr. Carter aside and say Jay not Mr. Belafonte? I pray Jay-Z can humble himself and apologize.

Jay Z Look sell out:: you call a man like Harry Belafonte a boy. u got to be the most ungraceful clown in the world! This man:! not boy Mr, Belafonte, Made it possible for you to sell this crap u sell, U are just another black boy that soul his soul , An believe me I am not a player hater By the way rap ain,t music. I use to say power to this guy for his success , But I see he,s a sell out .

Magna Carta Holy Fail. Jay is an uneducated fool with money. He doesn’t understand what many old hustlers did back in the day, that $ doesn’t make you intelligent. Don’t expect much from him. He’s married to a woman who’s vocab contains 3 words: amazing, fire & powerful. Y’all expect too much from these illiterates. Jay is almost 50 and still releasing hip hop albums. Negro please. In the words of Tamar Braxton (another half wit, but I can’t front her one liners are amusing), Jay needs to have several seats.

@Territc : it’s seems that your young ass has shit for brains. If it wasn’t for Mr. Belafonte and many others of his generation, your Black ass wouldn’t have a life to live. May I suggest taking your ass to a library and gain some knowledge because you really need it!

In all fairness to JayZ he hasn’t read a black history book. So his whole black experience is limited to his life only.He has money, a hott wife,an luck but doe sh ehave a greater vision of himself.Harry has spoken to power in a time when it tried to crush him.Harry didn’t have to get involved he could have just sang his song as black folks burned; many other’s did.There is an Irish tale that when you get to heaven st peter says “show me you scars you me what you fought for in life”. Harry can show his scars can you JayZ?

This isn’t just rappers, black entertainers in general have sunk to a new low in selling out their race. Because they make a lot of money doing this many so call black leaders don’t want to criticize them for it. These black buffoons should have been called out a long time ago. They profit from selling materialism and the criminal lifestyle as glamorous to our black youth. They also sell the word word n_gg_r to the white masses for profit. Selling complete disrespect of black women and men to the world should no longer be tolerated. We complain when whites disrespect us but sit silence when these worthless black entertainers do it.

JAY Z is a piece of sh*t and I for the life of me don’t understand how you Negroes follow this clown. He continues to help in the destruction of young blacks minds and he sits right up there on the turd bus with Kanye West.

How dare he even come out his mouth and disrespect this man (Harry Belefonte) who fought for civil rights right alongside all the REAL civil rights leaders from back in the day (unlike even more piece of turd Al SHARPTON). Harry’s music is not degrading to women and does not teach kids to be bums, thugs, killers and NI**AS unlike Jay z music.

I’m just trying to find common ground
‘Fore Mr. Belafonte come and chop a n*gga down
Mr. Day O, major fail
Respect these youngins boy, it’s my time now
Hublot homie two door homie
You don’t know all the sh*t I do for the homies

I’ve never like Jay and he was on life support with me, but now he is officially dead to me. 1st you have a worldwide concert and you call it along with the song “niggas in Paris”, wtf is wrong with your old ass? that Right there really put a bad taste in my mouth. Now this crap …..JAY Z YOU ARE A PIECE OF SHIT, I DON’T LIKE YOU AND WILL NEVER EVER PAY ANY MONEY FOR ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE, YOU KANYE, BEYONCE OR KIM K …F*CK YOU ALL!!

I agree he shouldnt of called him a boy but whites have negrophobia an anxiety disorder that makes them fear us. I don’t know how him speaking out or spending money can do to put a dent into this condition they have that keeps them 100 steps ahead of us. Like I said in the other post the feds are watching them they make sure there is only so much they can do. I hope pac rests in peace but even though he tried he couldn’t end white supremacy before they indirectly or directly killed them. Unless one of.us.has the answer it doesn’t make since to go after one another. We need answer have and I have never met another black person that did. If I was an entertainer I would see to it that Zimmerman no longer breathes and they know that and are watching for it.

Bravo. Jay-Z should be referring to himself as a “boy” because that is just what he is. If he cannot comprehend that calling Belafonte a “boy” is down right disrespectful, then he is definitely still a boy. Not only does he disrespect Belafonte, but also the Grandma that raised him.

Dr Boyce referred to Jay-Z as just another dude who can spit dope lyrics. On this I totally disagree. Lyrics that talk about money, cars, material wealth, best bitches in the business etc, etc, are not dope. They have no value, instil no values and send out the wrong message to all young men and woman out there. So what he is, is just another rapper getting rich off his fellow blacks, whilst doing nothing for the black community.

Yes, it’s his money and he can do whatever he wants with it, but he needs to shut up and keep the name of Harry Belafonte out of his mouth. He sullies it by saying it.

Bravo! Dr. Boyce, hands down!!! Also @ Hova (Jay-Z) that just goes to show, how many Rolex watches rolled with the rivers of time, that you will never ever experience. You need to seriously apologize!! And open your HISTORY BOOKS, BOI!!!!! Got me jacked up about your thoughts.

Quite frankly I seriously dislike all of you rappers rapping irresponsible in the music industry putting our youngins lives in high death tolls with irresponsible words coming out of your mouth!! Change the tune or ruin your own business.

Well said Boyce! And people still wonder why everyone hates us(blacks)? We look up and foiiow after clowns like jay z and rick ross but put down real men like MR.BELAFONTE. Anyone with half a brain know jay z doesnt represent real black folks.His friends are multi-millionaires and billionaires and his workers are blacks.Beyonce would have been dumped him if he wasnt on her level.Now before someone defend him ,ask him this.Ask him to text his buddy obama and demand he rip all the wicked drug laws up and oh by the way,tell him to tweet obamas responce.I dont see how we could even admire a 40yr plus man who still wears baseball hats and timbs and his wife who shows the whole world her body who she says is meant only for him.when jay z speak up about Real Isues ,let me know.